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.

Hampton Roads native and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas was back in the region to celebrate Dick's Sporting Goods' one-year anniversary of the House of Sport in Chesapeake. She was welcomed by hundreds of fans.

Olympics |
Hundreds of fans greet Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas in her return to Hampton Roads

July 28, 2024 at 5:36 p.m.

Hampton Roads native and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas was back in the region to celebrate Dick's Sporting Goods' one-year anniversary of the House of Sport in Chesapeake. She was welcomed...

"I know what it feels like to be a silver medalist. I can talk about that every day," the former Grassfield High star said recently. "But Olympic gold is going be a tough one. But I think when that moment comes, I don't think I'm going to slip through my hands this time."

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Olympics |
Chesapeake Olympian Grant Holloway has one thing on his mind as he heads to Paris

July 27, 2024 at 1:08 p.m.

"I know what it feels like to be a silver medalist. I can talk about that every day," the former Grassfield High star said recently. "But Olympic gold is going...

"It feels amazing just being able to be on this ride and knowing that you're blessed," said Wilson, who attended Great Bridge Middle School and is the youngest competitor to make a United States Olympic track and field team.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Olympics |
Chesapeake native Quincy Wilson is just getting started as Team USA’s youngest-ever track athlete

July 26, 2024 at 8:11 a.m.

"It feels amazing just being able to be on this ride and knowing that you're blessed," said Wilson, who attended Great Bridge Middle School and is the youngest competitor to...

Howard coach Larry Scott called Gallop the "rock" of the team: "He's the epitome of what you want in your program. He's a guy who does it right every day."

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Sports |
Former Churchland High star Kenny Gallop Jr. ‘still hungry’ after breakout season with Howard University

July 24, 2024 at 5:37 p.m.

Howard coach Larry Scott called Gallop the "rock" of the team: "He's the epitome of what you want in your program. He's a guy who does it right every day."

Jada Vick received a scholarship to play flag football for Reinhardt University in Atlanta, following in his father's footsteps as a quarterback.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Sports |
Michael Vick and his daughter showed up at NSU to inspire budding flag football stars

July 22, 2024 at 4:18 p.m.

Jada Vick received a scholarship to play flag football for Reinhardt University in Atlanta, following in his father's footsteps as a quarterback.

New coach Luke Stice addresses issues that have been prevalent on the team for multiple years, and is confident he can change the culture of the program. The school is also redoing its athletic policy and putting together an athlete development program for its coaches and athletes.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Sports columnists |
Rubama: Kempsville moves forward from racism issues with new baseball coach, athlete program

July 20, 2024 at 3:31 p.m.

New coach Luke Stice addresses issues that have been prevalent on the team for multiple years, and is confident he can change the culture of the program. The school is...

The program is trying to recover after its season was stopped following an investigation concluding “racism, hate speech and harassment" were prevalent.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

757Teamz Baseball and Softball |
Kempsville names new baseball coach after season canceled due to racism

July 18, 2024 at 1:53 p.m.

The program is trying to recover after its season was stopped following an investigation concluding “racism, hate speech and harassment" were prevalent.

Several Hampton Roads baseball players hope to hear their name called during the Major League Baseball draft, including third baseman Carson DeMartini (Ocean Lakes/Virginia Tech), first baseman/catcher Ethan Anderson (Cox/Virginia) and outfielder Harrison Didawick (Western Branch/Virginia).

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Sports columnists |
Rubama: This week’s major league draft could welcome the next wave of Hampton Roads players in the pros

July 13, 2024 at 2:54 p.m.

Several Hampton Roads baseball players hope to hear their name called during the Major League Baseball draft, including third baseman Carson DeMartini (Ocean Lakes/Virginia Tech), first baseman/catcher Ethan Anderson (Cox/Virginia)...

Bishop O’Connell High from Arlington was first in Virginia with 32 athletes, while Kellam was tied for third with 29, Princess Anne was tied for 12th with 25, and Chesapeake's Western Branch was tied for 17th with 24.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

757Teamz |
Kellam, Princess Anne led 757 high schools with most Division I-bound female athletes in recent study

July 9, 2024 at 2:45 p.m.

Bishop O’Connell High from Arlington was first in Virginia with 32 athletes, while Kellam was tied for third with 29, Princess Anne was tied for 12th with 25, and Chesapeake's...

Norfolk's Keyshawn “The Businessman" Davis and older brother Kelvin “Nite Nite” Davis were both victorious Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey, as both remained unbeaten.

Sports |
Norfolk boxer Keyshawn Davis dominates another opponent to stay unbeaten. Fight in Norfolk could be next.

July 7, 2024 at 8:47 p.m.

Norfolk's Keyshawn “The Businessman" Davis and older brother Kelvin “Nite Nite” Davis were both victorious Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey, as both remained unbeaten.

All Stories

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

SUBSCRIBER ONLY