Many of you know that my wife and I got to participate in an amazing experience today– being the Honorary Coach for the Day for the Virginia Tech softball team. It was one of the items in the recent Celebration of Women’s Sports Auction and since we both love VT softball, we decided to go for it. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made.

I would like to share our experience as I think it speaks volumes about this team and the coaching staff. There are all amazing people and we are really, really fortunate that they represent Virginia Tech.

During pre-game, we got to spend some quality time with Head Coach Scot Thomas and Assistant Coaches Justin Miller and Angela Tincher O’Brian, as well as Director of Operations Whitney Davis. Since they were about to play our biggest rival in a critical series, I would have certainly understood if we had been an afterthought for them, but instead they went out of their way to make the day special in every possible way.

The pregame ceremony was awesome, especially since it was senior day for Katie Smith, Kelsey Mericka, Maggie Tyler, and Kiara Ota. And while Tom Hanks may be right about “no crying in baseball,” the same does NOT hold true for softball. It was cool to see those emotions up close, but I wasn’t sure how the ladies would respond. Silly me – they responded like champs - all the seniors played and contributed to the sweep.

Standing in the line as the team was introduced and on the foul line during the national anthem were just things that we’ll always cherish. And while the preliminary plan called for us to leave the dugout after the introductions, Coach Thomas and crew instead invited us to stay and watch the game from the dugout. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

And the team was absolutely amazing. We were very conscious of being in their space and tried to stay incognito and out of their way. That plan ended in the first inning when Maggie Tyler sat down beside us and introduced herself and told us she was glad we were there. Seriously? That type of hospitality continued throughout the entire game with us getting high fives and being made to feel like part of the family. Whitney brought us bottled water down from the press box and VT photographer Dave Knachel took time to take a picture of us in the dugout and then e-mailed it to me. They had no obligation to do any of that, but they did – the spirit of Ut Prosim is alive and well.

Everyone knows how game 1 turned out – it was almost batting practice for the Hokies as they blasted the Hoos 15-0. Any thoughts about us leaving the dugout after game 1 flew out of the park with one of those 5 homeruns. All 3 coaches and several of the players (including Maggie) commented that we were their good luck charm and needed to stay for game two. Coach Thomas even said he was going to chain us to our chairs if we tried to leave. Of course, they didn’t have to twist our arms – we were more than happy to oblige.

Game two was a similar outcome although the score was a bit closer. Afterwards, Coach Thomas thanked us for being there and the team gave us a nice round of applause. Somehow that just seemed backwards. We were the ones that had the experience of a lifetime and they’re thanking us. Wow. Just wow.

I know it sounds corny, but those ladies and the staff showed exactly what it means to be a Hokie. I’m 58 years old and I’m not sure that I’ve ever felt so appreciated by an organization. It will be something that we will never, ever forget.

I apologize for such a long post but I know the folks on this board love Virginia Tech and hopefully this will give you a reason to smile.

GO HOKIES!!!!