Last year I had the privilege (yes, privilege) of road tripping from Denver, Colo., to Lincoln, Neb.
I'll admit, I slept for the entire drive through nothing but fields and corn, and I was as pumped as any other Hokie there to pummel the Cornhuskers. However, the morning of the game was a bit different from any other road game that I've ever attended. Our group of Hokies was talking it up for sure, but we noticed that the Cornhuskers were able to shrug it off. Fierce competition and trash talking came with the game, and this is what we were used to. So we continued.
On our way to different Hokie tailgates, we were pleasantly surprised at how many Nebraska fans were inviting us to have a beer with them and taste some of their fantastic barbeque. We thought it very odd, but how could we not take them up on this offer? They had a lot to say about their team, their town and how they love to have guests from other schools come to Lincoln. This made me think, "Did we ever welcome out-of-town guests this way?" We should, considering they're helping our economy with their money spent on hotels, food and liquor sales.
After we won, we went out for a few celebratory drinks in Lincoln and were amazed yet again how cordial and friendly they were. I'll never forget the Nebraska fan that came up to me and my friends and said, "Hey, great game. Thanks for coming out - we really appreciate it." I thought this was sarcastic, and I was waiting for a typical Michael or Marcus Vick jab, but he outstretched his hand, and we shook on it.
I would hate for my alma mater to treat these nice people with the standard way we typically treat our out-of-town competitors. I thought the Hokie Nation should know that these fans (for the most part) are happy to cheer on their team, share their food and drink with fans of the opposing team and meet new faces. I would love nothing more than to know that the current students and Hokie fans at the game in Blacksburg this weekend represented the Hokie Nation with the respect that these fans have given us.
Casey Siewert
MTM, Alumnus, 2006
Denver, CO
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After going to the game last year in Lincoln and being down at wake when they played them, I have to admit the Nebraska fans are probably the nicest and most hospitable fans I have encountered. But go hokies!
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well said. a lot of students are rallying around Pelini's comment that the noise in lane won't bother them, and that's great, as long as it is within the bounds of decency. we need to always show respect, especially to other fans.
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Thank you for stating the obvious. When you wear your colors, you represent us all. Most of us want to be known as good fans.
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Coolest fans ever.. can we play Nebraska every weekend?
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You got your wish, Casey!! I'm an NU grad living in North Carolina and drove to the game last weekend, attending with an alumni group staying in two Roanoke hotels. So many Hokie fans said "Welcome to Blacksburg" and "Good luck" before the game. I was very impressed by the friendliness and excellent behavior of fans at the game, taxi drivers, restaurant staff, everyone I encountered. I'm only sorry NU doesn't play Virginia Tech again in two years so I could come back. Good luck against Miami!
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