Makenzie Perks, Net, showing MV Spirit During the Marching to Victory; Photo Credit: Macey Early
On Saturday, September 9, the Marching Virginians started their day just like any other game — running the show, taking a break to eat, suiting up, and marching to Lane Stadium. But soon, this day would become anything but a regular football game.
About 30 minutes prior to kickoff, Lane Stadium was evacuated due to inclement weather, so the fans and the MVs took shelter underneath the concrete. During this time, many MVs found themselves surrounded by students and fans of both Virginia Tech and Purdue, who all told us how great the band was and how much they appreciate us being at the game! This kept our spirits up, and we headed back into Lane Stadium ready for kickoff!
The trombones performing one of their spectacular routines; Photo Credit: Andrew Single
As soon as the game was underway, all those in attendance were sure of one thing: these teams were bringing their A-game. The Boilermakers exploded onto the field and secured a touchdown less than four minutes after kickoff. The Hokies were sure to turn things around when the game was delayed again due to torrential rain and lightning. Due to the wonderful help of the managers, senior staff assistants, and leadership, the band had their raincoats on and all belongings secured in no time. Together, the MVs headed into the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility to wait out the rain.
Despite the circumstances, the spirit of the band was not diminished. Many marchers took the time to visit other sections and meet someone new. Others passed the time by singing or dancing, and some alumni even stopped by for a bit. Eventually, the game was rescheduled for kickoff at 6:15, and so the band returned to the Marching Virginians Center, excited to see the Hokies finish the brawl with Purdue.
A group of trumpets show how awesome it is to be back at the game, plus they found a feathered friend; Photo Credit: Andrew Single
Finally, nearly 6 hours after its initial kickoff time, the game was in full swing. With 6 minutes left in the second quarter, quarterback Grant Wells made a quick pass to Bhayshul Tuten who made a 30-yard dash down the sideline, and despite being tackled at the very end, scored a touchdown for Virginia Tech. With three minutes left in the first half, the Hokies took a field goal attempt. Kicker John Love made a career-high 41-yard field goal, bringing the Hokies to 10 versus Purdue 17. As the first half came to a close, Grants Wells received a snap and made a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Jaylin Lane. The game was now neck-and-neck!
Maren Stokes, Colorguard, cheers on the team to victory; Photo Credit: Jess Savage
Flooding the field with fury, neither team let up a single point during the third quarter with one highlight being a 39-yard gain from a pass by Wells to wide receiver Stephen Gosnell. As the Hokies intensified their offense in the fourth quarter, Purdue scored another touchdown from a series of long runs, making the score 24-17. With 6 minutes left, the Hokies were able to tackle Purdue quarterback Hudson Card during a QB power play and stopped the drive. Putting in a last bit of energy, backup quarterback Kyron Drones was put into play and Tech made a quick snap resulting in a 26-yard gain. Despite the ferocity displayed by the Virginia Tech Hokies, the final score was 24-17, Purdue wins.
The Hokie spirit displayed during this game is something to marvel at. Fighting against the forces of nature, the football team grappled for victory at every minute of the game, and fans and the band alike all witnessed the team’s determination to the very end.
On Saturday, September 16, Virginia Tech faces off against Rutgers at the SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ.