Dating back around 10 years, the cheer was first invented by the Marching Virginians as a play on words, corresponding with Hokie football play on the field.

"The choice of words in the cheer was a pun in that the 'stick' reference was for the drumline's drumsticks," said Bill Burnet ('98, MV Percussion), in a letter to the editor in the Virginia Tech Summer 2007 magazine.

In recent years, Virginia Tech has received complaints from fans who find the "Stick It In" cheer offensive, mostly because of the obscene gyrations that come along with the cheer.

"When I visited Virginia Tech the weekend of the Southern Mississippi game, I was appalled by the new 'Stick It In' cheer and sexually explicit (i.e., hip-thrusting) movements made by the Marching Virginians, Tech cheerleaders and Tech dancers. This behavior is offensive and a poor reflection on the Hokies, even more so when broadcast on national television," said alumna Jan Davis.

Because of complaints, the band and cheerleaders were no longer allowed to perform the gestures, but that didn't stop the fans. Therefore, the athletic director Jim Weaver has prohibited the Marching Virginians from playing "Stick It In" at our football games.

This cheer is a staple for Virginia Tech fans and football games. Every time the offense gets inside the 20-yard line, almost everyone expects the cheer to happen. The "Stick It In" cheer is on par with the equally honored tradition of fans shaking keys on the third down, as far as fan involvement in the game. There are certain traditions and cheers that fans not only look forward to but also have become a part of the game and the fan experience.

College cheers play a significant role in fan excitement on game day, not just at Virginia Tech, but at college football games everywhere. When Ohio State faces Michigan they sing: "We don't give a damn for the whole state of Michigan ... cause we're from O-hi-o." While obviously not the most fan appropriate cheer, it is a part of their team tradition and fan spirit.

While hip thrusting to the "Stick It In" cheer isn't the most mature thing to do, we find it difficult to complain about something of this nature in a college setting. Many students here are within the age range of 18-22, and alumni, as graduates of Virginia Tech should have a certain amount of respect for student cheering tradition. While there are some children present, the hip movement is not so overwhelmingly vulgar that it is something children need to be protected from.

The "Stick It In" cheer needs to be brought back. It is a part of our school spirit and a cheer that all have come to adopt and fondly call our own. There is an athletics meeting occurring on Sept. 20. It is important that both the athletic department and university know that the "Stick It In" cheer is part of what makes Virginia Tech's fans some of the best in the nation. Lane Stadium was voted the best home field advantage in college football in 2005 by rivals.com. This is because are spirit is infectious and we are proud of our tradition. "Stick It In" is the staple of our Hokie Spirit and a popular cheer on game day. Let the Marching Virginians "Stick It In," and in turn we will do our part as fans.