My name is Rob Curtin and I am one of the section leaders of the drumline at Virginia Tech.
I am writing to inform you of a recent tragedy here in the Marching Virginians' drumline. Our most popular drum cheer, "Stick It In," has come under scrutiny these past few years because of some of the "gestures" that people are making while we play it. As I'm sure you are aware, these "gestures" are sexual gestures, and the music department, as well as the university, has been receiving letters from alumni and parents regarding the "Stick It In" gestures.
One of the most recent letters was sent to President Steger's office, and it detailed the occurrence of sexual gestures made by students during a "Stick It In" performance at a game last season in Winston-Salem, N.C., versus Wake Forest. The band and cheerleaders have outlawed such gestures after receiving multiple letters in the past; however, because there is no way to stop everyone else from doing it, athletic director Jim Weaver has told the director of the Marching Virginians that the Marching Virginians are no longer allowed to play "Stick It In." He feels that President Steger has far too many other concerns to deal with right now that are more important than parents and alumni who are upset with the types of gestures students are making at football games. While I agree with him in that respect, I disagree that we should be banned from playing "Stick It In." This has been a tradition for far too long, and that is why I need the help of the Collegiate Times.
I feel that if enough students know about this, then something can be done about it. Perhaps this includes letter upon letter to Jim Weaver, or maybe even a petition, I don't know. All I do know is that Virginia Tech football games are unique, and "Stick It In" is part of what makes them so unique, otherwise students would not wear shirts that say "Stick It In." Thousands of Tech students read the Collegiate Times every day, and that is why I am asking for your help. I know that most of my fellow students feel the same way I do, and if they were informed on the subject, they could do something to help.
Thank you for taking time to read this.
Rob Curtin,
Senior, Economics
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Well Written Rob. Everyone who enjoys this cheer should let their voices be heard. Call the Athletic Department. Jim Weaver can be reached at 231-3977. Continue writing letters. Letters to the editor, letters to the athletic department, letters to the administration of the University. If there is an overwhelming response to a decision made because a miniscule number of complaints, perhaps we can overcome it with a flood of well written and stated arguments to everyone with the authority to make and influence decisions at Virginia Tech.
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