Every Game Day in Blacksburg is an exciting one for The Marching Virginians, but the Pitt game this past Saturday is definitely one for the books. This game was significant for several reasons: it was the day of our Hokies for the Hungry event; it was Coach Bud Foster’s last game in Lane Stadium; and most importantly, our Marching Virginians seniors performed their last show in Lane Stadium.
Flag Corps members Ashley Deans (left) and Katie Rizzolo (right) with Meg Hearl of New Life Christian Fellowship (center) getting psyched up for Hokies for the Hungry; Source: Ashley Deans
The Marching Virginians were greeted with very on-brand Blacksburg weather when they woke up that morning: cold and rain. Luckily, there’s no weather that can dampen our Hokie spirit. After a short morning rehearsal and lunch, the band started their Hokies for the Hungry event. For those that don’t know, Hokies for the Hungry is one of the MVs largest service events, and the band participates every year. On the day of the game, the MVs join forces with New Life Christian Fellowship, split up into a bunch of smaller pep bands (plus groups for the colorguard and drumline) and perform for donations from tailgaters. Thanks to the generosity of so many Hokies, the Marching Virginians were able to donate a total of 7, 300 cans/ nonperishable food items to the Montgomery County Christmas Store.
After Hokies for the Hungry, the band regrouped in the stadium stands to prepare for the show. This weekend we performed our Pregame show which is full of classic Virginia Tech songs like “Carry Me Back”, “The VPI Victory March”, and “Tech Triumph”. The band also played “Copland Colors” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” to kick off the game.
The Marching Virginians’ perspective of Enter Sandman as they formed the tunnel for the football team to run through as part of the band’s Pregame performance; Source: Ashley Deans
Despite less than perfect weather, Hokie Nation still showed up in Lane Stadium to support the team alongside the band. Cold and rain can’t deter a Hokie, they’re used to it! Earlier this week the Pittsburgh football coach, Pat Narduzzi, made the bold claim that the Pitt team would not false start in Lane Stadium because of the rowdy fans. Pitt false started not only once, but twice, fairly early on in the game, driving Hokie fans wild. Electrified by the energy in Lane, the VT football team gave their all against Pittsburgh, resulting in their second shutout in two weeks!
At the end of the game, the football team ran over to sing Tech Triumph with the band as they always do after a Hokie win. The MVs played a few more stand tunes as fans trickled out of the stadium before playing “Superman” in Lane for the last time in 2019, and then they finally headed home.