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EVENT RECAPS STEP UP TO THE PLATE 2012 The 2012 Step Up to the Plate event was held at the John Paul Jones Arena on Friday, Jan. 20. This year's program celebrated the 10th year of this event in support of Virginia baseball. Athletics director Craig Littlepage provided opening remarks fol- lowed by a special testimony given by Scott Headd, 2005 baseball alumnus. He shared what the baseball program had meant to him since graduation and took a moment to thank all in attendance for their support. His entire reflection of his baseball experience can be heard by visiting the VAF home page at http://www.virginiaathletic- sfoundation.com. Guests were also treated to a panel discussion led by EPSN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson that included former Virginia Cavalier baseball greats Mike Ballard, Brandon Guyer, Mi- chael Schwimer, Tyler Wilson and Ryan Zimmerman. Coach Brian O'Connor addressed the crowd and shared some interesting comparisons over the past 10 years that are shown below: • Baseball season ticket sales have gone from 126 tickets in 2002 to 1,844 as of Feb. 23, 2012. • The "Friends of" Baseball program began in 2001. Contributions during that first year totaled $21,917 from only 15 donors. In 2011, donors grew to 656 with contributions totaling $597,212 to "Friends of" baseball. • Close to $8 million has been raised for Davenport Field improve- ments since 2000. • In its first year, Step Up to the Plate raised more than $30,000 Donors and fans celebrate the success of Virginia baseball over the past 10 years. MEN'S BASKETBALL REUNION 2012 Sixty-one former members of the Virginia men's basketball program, along with fam- ily and guests, returned to Charlottesville for their annual Men's Basketball Reunion Weekend held Feb. 17-18. They enjoyed a fun-filled weekend that started with a so- cial Friday evening in the John Paul Jones Arena Courtside Club. The men's basketball with approximately 200 in attendance. Through ticket sales, table sponsorships and auction revenue, this year's event raised more than $70,000 for Virginia baseball with the support of 750 guests. Men's basketball alumni (front row, left to right): Richard Lotts, Frank Allen, David Un- derwood (son of Cecil Underwood); (back row, left to right) Rufus "Jack" Caldwell, Bill Miller, Tony Laquintano and Cecil Underwood. Athletics director Craig Littlepage with Shannon and Brian Tully. coaching staff was on hand to greet returning alumni. On Saturday they were treated to a 71-44 Virginia victory over the University of Maryland Terrapins followed by a post-game reception in the dining hall at JPJA. The Vir- ginia Athletics Foundation is grateful to all who attended the reunion and appreciate their support of Virginia athletics. APRIL 2012 ◆ 5