Monday Motivation: Chris Long is a Super Bowl champ, tennis rolls, and Hoos crush Hokies

Although the weather doesn’t make it seem so (THANKS, PHIL YA GOOD FOR NOTHING GROUNDHOG), spring is upon us. The women’s tennis team started their season last week, and this week we had the men’s tennis team start their quest for their third straight NCAA title (and fourth in five years). Let’s get to it.

Rapid Fire

-Darion Atkins secured his team - Hapoel Holon in Israel - the victory with this game-saving block:

-No one wants to be on Malcolm’s posters anymore :(

-JOE HARRIS DUNK. ALERT. JOE HARRIS DUNK.

-Congrats to Virginia’s Filip Mihaljevic for being named the ACC Men’s Field Performer of the Week, as well as Zach Herriott for his ridiculously fast school record in the 5000 meter.

-The #24 UVA Wrestling team cruised down Tobacco Road, defeating #25 UNC 22-15 and Duke 23-14. The Hoos are now 10-5 (2-2, ACC) on the season and will round out their ACC schedule for Senior Day against Pitt at Mem Gym on Sunday.

-I’ve always loved the official NASA picture of Leland Melvin, but then I found out he received his Master of Science in Materials Science Engineering from UVA, so he’s DEFINITELY my favorite space person ever.

-Virginia Men’s Basketball defeated the Hokies this week to the tune of 71-48. The Hoos utterly dominated their foes from Blacksburg, crushing them in all facets of the game. Devon Hall and Isaiah Wilkins were phenomenal, but this is really all I need you guys to see:

I can (and have) watch this on loop for hours. Just the most “NOPE” block ever. Love it. The Hoos now have a one point lead in the Commonwealth Clash. Next up, the Hoos (17-5, 7-3 ACC) host Louisville at JPJ TONIGHT night at 8pm.

-Women’s Basketball snagged an overtime victory over Georgia Tech thanks to a clutch shot by Breyana Mason.

-Huge congrats to Dom Inglot for his big win in the Davis Cup!

Men’s Basketball Dirty Dancing Lift of the Week

Wahoo of the Week

After nine seasons in the NFL, former Virginia great Chris Long FINALLY got to play in the postseason. Long, who was drafted with the #2 overall pick in the 2008 draft, spent eight years with the St. Louis Rams before they dropped him when they made the move to LA. Well, football genius Bill Belichick (love him or hate him...he’s a damn football GENIUS) pounced on the opportunity to sign Long. The result? Chris Long got to play in - and WIN - his first ever Super Bowl.

Chris played 15 snaps and helped hound Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.

Even more special was the fact that Chris’s dad, Howie Long, was on site as one of the Fox experts. They are now the only father-son duo to both have Super Bowl wins.

Congratulations, Chris. You’ve earned it. You’re the StLMMWotW.

Team of the Week

The #1 Men’s Tennis team rattled off three straight wins this week with a 4-3 victory over Vanderbilt, a 4-3 win over #15 Kentucky, and a 7-0 (yes, seven) win over ACC foe Louisville.

All reigning champs have expectations placed upon them. Back-to-back champs? For sure. Three titles in four years? Yeah definitely. But, this Virginia team may be the best yet, so get ready for a crazy season.

Next up, the Hoos welcome #11 Florida to Boar’s Head on Saturday at 5pm.

HONORABLE MENTION: The UVA Women’s Cross Country team was recognized during the Virginia-Virginia Tech basketball game for their women’s athletics leading team GPA of 3.6. THEY HAVE A 3.6 GPA AS A TEAM. What? That’s unreal. Super impressive ladies...keep up the good work.

Go Hoos!