This season surely had its ups and downs. From multiple shutouts to devastating loses, The Marching Virginians sure have had a wild ride cheering on their team. As a graduating senior, I decided to take the advice of a most recent blog post, looking back on my favorite moments from the season. You may be able to guess some of them, but that just shows the amazing impact they had not just on current members, but fans and alumni!
No. 3: Hokies for the Hungry
Every year, the MVs collect nonperishable food items and money for the Montgomery County Christmas Store. It has become an awesome tradition combining the group’s love for performance and service. This year, the weather tried to dampen our spirits – literally. The week leading up to the Pitt game, rain was on the radar, and when it comes to rainfall predictions, Blacksburg does not disappoint. So, as we marched out to tailgates to start playing, the rain began to pick-up. The drumline headed down to the lot in front of Lane Stadium, normally swarming with people. But this time, not even half the spots were full! Despite the sad scene we pressed on to our first spot, announcing our purpose and starting to cadence. Once the music started, people poured from all around – leaving the warmth of their cars, the safety of their tents – all to dance and sing with us! As we moved throughout the lot and even into neighboring ones, we were greeted with smiling faces and loud voices, all excited to have a little sunshine on the rainy day. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are impacted by the simple sound of music. Oh, and it didn’t hurt that the Hokies shutout our opponent for the second week in a row.
No. 2: Thanks, Bud
Virginia Tech Football has been going through a transition period the past few years with the arrival of Justin Fuente. But one constant throughout was the Lunch Pail Defense of Bud Foster. Coming from a giant family of Hokies, I knew who Bud Foster was from a very young age. All of my favorite players were on the Hokies’ defense: Kam Chancellor, Macho Harris, and Brandon Flowers to name a few. And they had all been led by the great Bud Foster. Not only did he impact the team, but the MVs have always had a special place in his heart. How cool is it for the football team and band dorks to have such a close relationship? So, when he announced his retirement before the start of the season, I knew something big was about to happen. And then came one of my final games as a Marching Virginian. Emotions were high throughout the day as seniors and friends took pictures, reminisced and just took in their surroundings. But what topped it all off for me was seeing “Foster” revealed on the newest recognition banner at the top of the stadium. Everyone in the stadium displayed their “This One’s For Bud” banners as I saw my childhood hero shed a tear on the field. Simply spelling out “Thanks Bud” at halftime with 329 of my friends can’t say enough for how much this man has inspired and encouraged me throughout my life.
No. 1: Stick It In
Who am I kidding? You all knew this was coming. A lot of band members would agree that this was an awesome experience. But I KNOW that every drumline member, freshmen and seniors alike, will count this as one of their greatest moments in band. Even though “Stick It In” was had not been played in Lane Stadium for 12 years, the drumline has still learned it every year since, hoping for its return. Occasionally, the chant comes back for Hokies for the Hungry or in-band performances, but never for the big game (we don’t talk about last year’s bowl game… *cough cough* Tray and Ashlyn). And then came UNC. At rehearsal on Monday that week, whisperings of learning the cadence were swirling between the members. Rookies were curious; returners were excited. As the week went on, Dr. Polly told the whole band that “Stick It In” could be making a comeback. We practiced during ensemble, teaching the form of the cadence and making sure everyone used the appropriate moves. Game time came and a member of Athletics started talking to Polly. This was it! Dr. Polly looked at drumline leadership and gave the very specific circumstances for when to tap off. But the moment came and went: something wasn’t quite right and they cancelled it last minute. The crazy game continued and HOLY CRAP WE’RE GOING TO PLAY IT! Band members and the crowd screamed along – the atmosphere was electric. But the greatest performance was when we were tensely awaiting the result of the sixth overtime of the game. The Hokies had the ball. They were near the endzone. The drumline knew what to do. The crowd went wild! I truly believe it was that energy from the crowd that pushed the team to victory. Never again will I be a part of something so magical. Unless, of course, “Stick It In” comes back for good…
