Collegiate Times

Image: 2012-04-19 22:56:25

He said: Enjoy the atmosphere

As Hokies, there are a few things that unite us: our love for the colors maroon and orange, our passion for service, and almost most identifiably, our obsession with Hokie football.

In the fall, we are in heaven. With a game essentially every weekend, there is always something to look forward to. Bowl games are like Christmas, since they come every year. A ten-win season — a far-reaching goal for most schools — is a minimum requirement for the Hokies.

But once the few glorious months end, we are left out to dry. We try to fill the void in our souls with basketball, but find it just can’t keep up with Saturdays in Lane Stadium. The weather turns bitter and all hope seems lost.

And then a glimmer of hope appears just when we are about to throw in the towel. Symbolically, as soon as the weather begins to warm up, we get a visit from an old friend. The Spring Game is upon us ladies and gentlemen, and it’s just in time.

Fans from around the country come in town for one day in the spring to watch our football team practice, and as anticlimactic as that sounds, it is one of the more amazing days of the semester. It is a true testament to the passion of Virginia Tech fans who drive from many miles away, get up early to tailgate, and spend the day watching Beamer make our boys run around the field.

For the non-football readers, you are probably asking what all the excitement is about. I’ll try to break it down for you.  Imagine all of your best friends in one place, with great food and drinks. Now add beautiful weather, your two favorite colors, and America’s favorite sport.

Not too shabby now, huh?

For those avid football fans out there, I have a little secret for you: the Spring Game isn’t actually about football. While it is kind of cool, the truth is most people don’teven make the trip for the game. That’s right; people drive from all around to not even go to the very game they’re tailgating. Just as sometimes the pregame is better than the party, the Spring Game just can’t keep up with the preluding tailgate.

In reality, the Spring Game is a few minutes of action surrounded by a lot of waiting and menial things. While this is the case, it is still imperative to our team’s success for the regular season. Only devoted football fans truly pay attention during the game. 

But any excuse to get together with your friends is enough of a reason to make the day great. The small amount of football only adds to the pleasure.

So this weekend, call up your buddies, fire up the grill and enjoy a day in the sun. After this, we have to go back into a mild state of hibernation, waiting for our epic season opener against Georgia Tech on Labor Day.

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A version of this article appeared in the Apr 20 issue of the Collegiate Times.