This past Saturday the Hokies were up against the Panthers, who traveled all the way to Lane Stadium from Pittsburgh, PA.! Luckily, we had super awesome weather, and the MVs were ready to perform. Typically we perform during halftime, but this game we had the exciting opportunity to march the pregame show!
This particular game was extra special because the MVs had a very special visitor come to say hello. Her name is Mrs. Letitie Clark, Ryan “Stack” Clark’s lovely mom. Stack was a member of the Marching Virginians’ Baritone section, and was a victim of the Virginia Tech shooting that took place on April 16, 2007. At every rehearsal, game day, and event that the MVs are involved in, we remember the lasting impact Stack made on our band. His spirit, energy, and loving personality are just a few of the characteristics that we as MVs hope to have just half of. The Spirit of Tech was honored on Saturday to welcome his sweet mom, Mrs. Clark, back to the Marching Virginians Center.
We were also joined by College Marching, an organization that travels across the United States promoting collegiate marching bands. The MVs were so happy to be able to meet the representatives from this awesome organization!
Here are the MVs performing for an absolutely packed Lane Stadium before kickoff! Our Pregame performance included the Superman theme, Shenandoah, our VPI Victory March, Copland Colors, the Star Spangled Banner, and every Hokie’s favorite song, Tech Triumph!
First Half
The Hokies quickly took the lead in the first quarter with a 54-yard touchdown, putting them in the lead 7-0. Pitt quickly caught up with a 75-yard pass from quarterback Phil Jurkovec to their wide receiver Bub Means. The score was now tied 7-7. Hokie quarterback Kyron Drones finished out the first quarter with a short touchdown run, putting Tech in the lead with 14-7 against Pitt. Before Halftime, the Hokies scored yet another touchdown, putting the score at 21-7.
As the football teams took their break at the end of the second quarter, the Highty Tighties took the field to perform their halftime show! The Highty Tighties is the marching band for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and it was their turn to perform last Saturday. They just amazed all of Lane Stadium with their musicality and accuracy during their show! Afterward, the football team got right back to work.
Second Half
The Hokies began the 3rd quarter with the football and quickly scored a touchdown from 10 yards out. Within just seconds Pitt’s quarterback Jurkovec passed the ball onto running back C’Bo Flemister across 61 yards, putting the score at 14-28 against Tech. Pitt then scored another touchdown, making the score 21-28. Tech quickly sped ahead, scoring another touchdown. Tech triumphed, scoring 35-21 against Pitt.
This past Saturday was such an incredible night for each of us; the MVs were so happy to be able to meet Stack’s wonderful mom, Mrs. Clark, meet representatives from College Marching, and land a win against Pittsburgh! Go Hokies!