I am not sure when it started, but Virginia Tech has implemented Hokies Respect at all of its athletic events. The concept is basically this: be nice to each other, be nice to the opposing team and their fans, don't cuss, don't be a sloppy drunk and don't throw crap on the field.
Despite the fact that some Hokies booed both Nebraska and Miami when they entered the stadium, I love this Hokies Respect thing. I found myself caught up in it and have gone out of my way to assist visiting fans with directions at the stadium and ideas for places to visit in Blacksburg.
Here is my problem with Hokies Respect. What happens at the athletic event, stays at the athletic event.
Once the game is over and the bars are closed, some fans start to lose their minds - especially after a big win. They drink themselves into a stupor and lose all common sense, causing problems for police, fire and rescue.
Here's something you may not know: The Blacksburg Fire Department and Blacksburg Rescue Squad (as well as Virginia Tech Rescue Squad) are 100 percent volunteer.
These people leave their families at home and go out to respond to DUIs, alcohol poisoning calls, pulled fire alarms (false alarms), Dumpster fires (for some reason, this is the happening thing to do in Blacksburg around 3 a.m. after a home game) and mattress and couch fires.
Yes, these men and women volunteered to join these organizations, but having to answer to calls caused by asinine, drunken morons takes their time away from other calls that may come in and that may involve more serious consequences.
Don't leave your respect at the game.
Lisa Sedlak
class of 1994
Leave a comment 8 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
Don't tell us how to be fans we'll boo the other team if we want to. Hokies! Hokies! Hokies!
Reply to this Top
You stay classy, Blacksburg.
Reply to this Top
Obviously, you have not learned how to read, Super Fan. She didn't say that at all. Go back to the beginning of the article, put your finger on each word at a time and sound the words out. At the end of each sentence, stop and try to think about the message that sentence in conveying. You sound like an idiot, so I am not overly optimistic this will help, but give it the old college try.
Reply to this Top
I definitely agree with this article. It really annoys me when I'm tailgating, and people boo passing fans for the other team. My roommate and I try to make it a point to say hello to opposing fans, and ask them how they are enjoying Blacksburg. I mean, I know that if I traveled to another school for a game, I wouldn't want to be treated poorly. Be nice to the other fans; they are people too (except UVA fans, haha).
Reply to this Top
It's called having fun. Don't get your panties bunched up and pleaassse don't take it personal when / if you get booed at an opposing stadium. For crying out loud, please boo the opposing team when they break out on the field. This is part of being the 12th man...getting in their heads, etc. Sports are entertainment. If you don't like something about it, you have the right to express yourself in a non-violent manner. You obviously haven't been to many games away from home if you've never been booed. Bottom line, don't take things so damn personal!
Reply to this Top
Hokie respect is stupid. Everyone gets harassed at other schools, especially if they play each other in sports. I am a VT alum and am currently going to grad school in Alabama. I've had to replace my car's VT sticker and 4/16 ribbon multiple times because people rip it off and throw it away. Its something I half expect but that doesn't discourage me. No matter what Weaver tells you, wearing opposing school colors/logos at different schools is offensive to the home school and warrants certain reactions. Booing is one of those reactions; I got death threats here in Bama when i wore my Tech colors before 9/5 --- some poor Huskies or Canes can handle booing on game day.
Reply to this Top
Grow a pair. Booing is part of the game. I'm sick of this applauding crap. If you can't take a one-syllable word, you should go to UVA--you will get cheered because teams know you are a free win. The teams are not having a tea party out there. They are bashing each other's heads in. Stay home, Lisa.
Reply to this Top
Dude. It is not about the booing, it is about the after effects. Thanks anon.
Reply to this Top