Columnist

Larry Rubama

Larry Rubama is a columnist for The Virginian-Pilot. He joined The Pilot in 1999 after writing for The (Ind.) Journal-Gazette. A former track athlete at Ohio University, he became a sports reporter so he could tell other athletes’ stories.

Brandon Adair, a former Virginia Wesleyan basketball All-American who led the Marlins to a national title in 2006, is now an NBA referee. He was so displeased to hear that the school is changing its name to Batten University that he plans to sever all ties. (Billy Schuerman/Staff)

Larry Rubama: Will Virginia Wesleyan be forgotten? Former athletes think so because of name change.

September 7, 2025 at 2:10 p.m.

Virginia Wesleyan University name change is affecting many, including athletes, too.

King's Fork coach Anthony Joffrion was determined to get his program better competition. The Bulldogs beat a formidable Maryland foe Friday night. STEPHEN M. KATZ/STAFF

No. 5 King’s Fork hands Maryland power a loss in the season opener for both teams

September 6, 2025 at 2:52 p.m.

No. 5 King's Fork played the football program's first-ever out-of-state opponent, and the Bulldogs came from behind to beat Wise (Maryland) on Zy'Dar'Eyus Wynn's long kickoff return.

Lafayette wide receiver Josh Simpson runs with the ball against Poquoson last season. The No. 10 Rams will face Warhill on Friday night at Wanner Stadium. (Kendall Warner/Staff)

757teamz football predictions: Maury, Oscar Smith, King’s Fork, Lafayette face stiff competition

September 4, 2025 at 4:32 p.m.

The battle between Williamsburg-area rivals Warhill and Class 4 state contender Lafayette, the past two Bay Rivers District champions, will have Wanner Stadium hopping.

Should be another exciting cross country season this year. (Bill Tiernan for The Virginian-Pilot)

757Teamz cross country preview: Ocean Lakes girls rebuild after 4 state titles in 5 seasons

September 2, 2025 at 8:18 a.m.

Maury's Mateo Canga and Poquoson's Elizabeth Trant are individuals to watch. Keep an eye on Ocean Lakes, Princess Anne, Kellam, Hickory and Grassfield.

New Manor High football coach Detric Avents has brought pride and chemistry to the program, which hasn't had a winning season since 2004. (Billy Schuerman/Staff)

Larry Rubama: Rare 1-0 start is small step as new Manor coach attempts to revive football program

September 3, 2025 at 2:35 p.m.

"I want to get these kids out of here. I want them to see what's outside of Portsmouth," coach Detric Avents said.

Green Run’s Xavier Clark breaks away from Tallwood defenders to score a touchdown on Thursday in Virginia Beach. (Stephen M. Katz/Staff)

No. 4 Green Run tops Tallwood, runs Beach District winning streak to 44 games

August 29, 2025 at 4:36 p.m.

Charles Jackson III and Tristen Williams combined for more than 200 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Lions first-year coach Glenwood Ferebee.

Indiana running back Kaelon Black, a former Salem High star, tries to break a tackle against UCLA last season. (Trent Barnhart/Indiana Athletics)

Former Salem star Kaelon Black, now at Indiana, looks forward to facing ODU in season opener

August 29, 2025 at 8:44 a.m.

Indiana running back Kaelon Black, who starred for Salem High in Virginia Beach, leads the No. 20 Hoosiers against Old Dominion in the season opener.

Oscar Smith wide receiver Travis Johnson is looking forward to Friday's game against Gonzaga and fellow Michigan commit Carter Meadows. (Billy Schuerman/Staff)

757Teamz football predictions: Maury, Oscar Smith visit perennial powers to open season

August 27, 2025 at 4:53 p.m.

Predictions for all the season openers involving Hampton Roads teams on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Oscar Smith quarterback Lonnie Andrews III looks to pass the ball to teammate Kaden Walker during the Class 6 state championship game last season. The Tigers edged James Madison 21-20 for the title. Andrews finished the season with 2,740 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. (Billy Schuerman/Staff)

757Teamz Southeastern District football preview: Oscar Smith ‘focused, motivated’ after state title run

August 27, 2025 at 9:06 a.m.

"This team is focused, motivated and ready to go out with yet another bang," Oscar Smith coach Chris Scott said. "Anything less than another state championship will be considered a...

Maury running back Tayshawn Branche (20) breaks free for a run downfield. Maury faced Briar Woods in the VHSL Class 5 state championship at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Dec. 14, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

757Teamz Eastern District football preview: Maury reloads for another state title run

August 25, 2025 at 5:05 p.m.

The Maury Commodores look to continue their dominance in the Eastern District.

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