Hokie fans take things to a whole new level

Nelson Graves
Published: December 3, 2008

Last Saturday, I was able to get football tickets to the annual Commonwealth Bowl held in Blacksburg. Thinking the Interstate 81 traffic would be heavy because of the rivalry between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech football teams, my son-in-law and I decided to leave home early. We had figured right but a bigger or more important decision to be made was whether I should wear my U.Va. Cavalier sweatshirt. I decided that since I’m a true Cavalier fan, I’d wear the sweatshirt but be respectful.

A U.Va. season ticketholder, on many occasions I’ve witnessed what happens when fans of opponents occupy seats within the midst of U.Va. fans. As long as the visiting fans aren’t obnoxious or belligerent, people enjoy themselves.

Walking through Tech’s parking lot — filled with its fans — was interesting. While I didn’t draw verbal responses, the stares of Tech followers said it all. But it really got interesting when we took our seats among the Tech faithful.

After finding our seats and again absorbing stares, conversations between them and us began. A strong Tech female supporter seated behind me let me know immediately that she was a ‘beater.’ ” She even demonstrated by beating me on my shoulders.

As it turned out, Virginia scored first so it was a while before she pounded my shoulders. True to her word, the pounding began as Tech played catch-up gaining first downs, and eventually scored. I noticed though that when the Cavaliers were successful, in any way, she didn’t touch me.

About midway through the second quarter, the Wahoos scored again. I started to turn around to ask why she stopped beating but thought better of it. It was a good decision.

At halftime with Virginia leading 14-7, after the Hokies threw an interception, the real Tech loyalty showed itself. In fact Hokie fans take loyalty to another level.

During halftimes of ACC football games, the home team’s scoreboard shows a public service announcement film depicting youth league football players wearing jerseys from Atlantic Coast Conference schools. The announcement is a spliced and diced statement converted into a continuous sportsmanship piece.

When the little boy in the Cavalier jersey appeared, many Tech fans booed him. To be honest, I’ve heard booing at Virginia games but their booing was directed at Florida State and Clemson reps, not Tech.

Another time, Hokie fans and western Virginians made a political statement.

It’s traditional during halftime of the Commonwealth Bowl for Virginia and Tech’s presidents and the Virginia governor to be introduced. When John T. Casteen, of U.Va., and Charles W. Steger, of Tech, were acknowledged, each was applauded. Steger as expected, received the louder applause. However when Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was introduced, he was loudly booed, even more than the kid wearing the Virginia jersey had been.

My son-in-law wondered why. I told him it was because Kaine supported President-elect Barack Obama and in this very conservative part of Virginia, the residents and voters aren’t forgiving.

Hopefully by the time 2012 arrives, the Democratic governor along with Obama, should he be successful and able to attend, will receive warm applause.

Nelson Graves, Western Virginia director of the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, writes a weekly column for The News Virginian. E-mail him at .