Whether it's the tailgates that start at dawn or the ceremonial touching of the Hokie stone as the men in maroon trot onto Worsham field and into the welcoming eruption of thousands of Hokie fans inside the Lane realm, one particular tradition this weekend will be amiss.
Last week, Jim Weaver, the director of athletic operations, and David McKee, director of the Marching Virginians, discussed the future of "Stick It In," the usual cheer when Tech's offense is within striking range of the end zone. After complaints from disgruntled fans and alumni, Weaver told McKee that "Stick It In," would be no more.
"Two or three years ago," Weaver explained, "we had 8-12 complaints over such negative content. I thought we had done away with it then, two or three years ago. The band or cheerleaders would no longer do the gyrating, the thrusting of their hips forward during the chanting of the cheer. We (McKee and Weaver) agreed if this surfaced again (the pelvic motions) we would do away with it. We do not reflect this behavior. That's not what Virginia Tech is about."
Last week, McKee said he had no comment, but any questions could be directed to the office of the president.
Larry Hincker, director of public relations for the university, offered his comments concerning Weaver's decision.
"Anything Virginia Tech does, because of the events of five months ago, affects us. The campus has a microscope over it," Hincker said. "I support his decision. Not a year goes by when I didn't receive a letter on this situation."
"We recognize why it's been removed," said Margaret Morris, a trumpet player in the Marching Virginians. "We were given the chances to keep it, we are upset but we understand."
When asked if the removal of "Stick It In" from the Marching Virginians' repertoire would be an exercise of censorship on behalf of the Athletic Department, Weaver disagreed.
"I don't think it's a form of censorship," Weaver said. "We can control the band because we pay their bills for them; therefore, they report to us. Both the band and the spirit squad are under Athletic Department management. McKee understands, and I'm sure there are a lot of other tunes that don't have that negative tone."
Though McKee may seem to understand, some members of the Marching Virginians are still in disbelief.
"Everybody feels that 'Stick It In' is a huge part of our offensive cheering, it's a huge loss," said Jarret Wright, a senior and member of the horns section of the Marching Virginians. "We know how much it means to the fans and to the team, it's a vital part of our repertoire. Who doesn't love 'Stick It In?' "
"It's Tech's pride and joy," said Morris. "Everyone is upset it's gone."
Weaver and Hincker both feel the atmosphere in Lane Stadium should exemplify the "Hokies Respect" campaign and the lack of the cheer would only benefit the mission's message.
"We have a lot of youngsters in the crowd," Weaver said. "We want a positive environment in Lane for the gamut of ages."
Though the band and spirit squad are no longer allowed, as per Weaver's discretion, to participate or commence the "Stick It In" cheer, there is a larger and more vocal outlet of Lane stadium neither Weaver nor Hincker have control over: the student section.
"No," Hincker said. "We can't seem to control those."
A Facebook group that has recently been created is gaining student steam. "Save the Stick It In Cheer," created by Marching Virginians member Greg Bringhurst, has already attracted over 2,500 members. The group advocates launching a student-led argument for the retention of "Stick It In" in the Marching Virginians songbook.
The outcome of Saturday's game, when the Hokies battle the Ohio Bobcats, is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the familiar heavy percussion beat of "Stick It In" will not echo inside Lane.
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