Alumna Linda Correll Dances In the Rain! - Photo Credit Macey Early
This previous week, Hokie Spirit was stronger than ever as Virginia Tech celebrated its homecoming! Kicking off Monday, a week-long series of events were held. Homecoming culminated in the parade on Friday, October 13, and the Homecoming football game against Wake Forest on Saturday, October 14.
Homecoming Parade – Friday, October 13
AJ Joseph, MV Sax, Giving a Gameday Grin - Photo Credit Macey Early
A beloved tradition by the Blacksburg community, the mile-and-a-half parade began at 7 p.m. at Lane Stadium with the Marching Virginians in the middle of the procession. Through downtown Blacksburg, the band was cheered on by riveted spectators all clapping and dancing to the beat of the MV sound. Along the way, countless people got to enjoy the MVs as they alternatingly performed the Hokie Pokie and every Hokie’s favorite song, Tech Triumph! After going down Washington Street and up Main Street, the MVs arrived at the Drillfield to perform for the homecoming pep rally. The attendees of the pep rally enthusiastically greeted the band and watched on as the MVs played through VPI and Mr. Brightside.
Homecoming Football Game Against Wake Forest – Saturday, October 14
Kicking off at 3:30 PM, the first few minutes of the game was a blow-for-blow rivalry with neither team seeming to let up. The Hokies offense pushed through and at the 10:42 mark of the second quarter, running back Bhayshul Tuten scored the Hokie’s first touchdown of the game! John Love followed with a successful kick, and six minutes later he made a 37-yard field goal. Soon after, quarterback Kyron Drones made a 75-yard pass to wide receiver Jaylin Lane with another successful kick by Love. The first half ended Wake Forest 10 to Virginia Tech 17.
Topher Pantano, MV Bone, Cheers on The Hokies - Photo Credit Andrew Single
The halftime show by the Marching Virginians was very special for three reasons. Firstly, the MVs performed our much-loved Power Closer; a mash-up of the tunes VPI and Shenandoah. This was followed up by a special extended performance of the Hokie Pokie, in which we were joined by MV Alumni for Alumni Day. Lastly, MVs were able to assist in the presentation of the 2023 Virginia Tech Homecoming Court, during which the band played the gentle Moonlight & VPI as the nominees were led onto the field. After the crowning of the homecoming court the band performed the heartwarming Alma Mater, and finished halftime with a rousing run of Tech Triumph!
On the way back to the stands, many MVs witnessed the Hokie football team emerge from Beamer tunnel for the third quarter. Like water bursting from a dam, the team exploded onto the field, and every MV was certain of one thing: Virginia Tech was intent on winning. This proved to be true as the Hokies defense was at its peak this season, only giving up 19 yards against Wake Forest. This was key to the Hokies victory, as Wake Forest only scored once in the second half: a 34-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Matching their opponents, the Hokies soon after made a 36-yard field goal. This was followed with a touchdown by a 12-yard pass from Kyron Drones to Jaylin Lane. The final score was Hokies 30 to Wake Forest 13. The Hokies will next play Syracuse on Thursday, October 26 at Lane Stadium.