I thought this was an excellent stroll down memory lane from one long time Hokie. Props to Dragon Slayer.



Forgive a very old man for going off topic.

I was there in 1964 for the very first game, and I will return Saturday for the 53rd year. I will again walk through portal 13 and stop for just a few seconds to admire my Lane, and the beauty, color and pageantry spread before me. I will inhale the aroma of college football and I will remember.

I will remember the young student with the pint bottle of Rebel Yell, ready to party and hopefully meet a few “chicks”. To scream my lungs out for a victory to begin a new era in Va Tech football.

I remember in ‘65 taking my new girlfriend to her first game and watching her reaction when she sees Lane for the first time. Yes, I bought the corsage for her sundress and watched as she was admired by my friends. I was and am, a lucky man.

She came with me again for that Miami game in ‘67. This time as my new wife.Two ranked teams fighting to the end in an epic struggle. She loved being there, but innocently asked as we walked out, “who won”. To her credit she still comes with me even though neither of us climb the steps as well as we did, and it is no longer at the top of her list as a fun thing to do on a Saturday afternoon.

I remember in ‘73. I decided he was old enough to see his first game. My son was so excited...and by the second quarter, so bored. He wasn’t old enough as I learned, but soon he would be. And he came with me (and still does when he can) many times over the years.

I remember in ‘01. My grandson was old enough, I thought to see my Lane and my Hokies. To my great surprise, he was. He participated in every cheer, loved the Hokie Bird, the cannon and the Hokie Pokey. He graduated from Tech this past May.

Sadly, I remember the Miami game in ‘03. It was the last time my Dad got to see his beloved Hokies play. He passed away in December of that year. How much did he love the Hokies? As he lay close to death in the University Of Virginia hospital, he was asked his nationality. With a twinkle in his eye he told the doctor he was part native American. When asked what tribe, he proudly announced, “Hokie Nation”.

I remember. I was there for Bob Swickert and Sonny Utz. I watched some guy named Beamer. I saw Charlie Coffee bring Don Strock to national attention and I watched as he set the individual passing record for a game.Anybody remember “Teamwork Orange” and those orange hot pants? I watched Bruce and Tyrod, Michael and Suggs. I have seen and loved them all and my memory banks overflow. And I realize, soon now, I will walk through that portal for the last time...will watch that beautiful green expanse, and try once again to make my feeble legs jump once last time to Enter Sandman.

Before I walk through number 13 Saturday, I will drive around the drill field and admire all the lovely young ladies. I will laugh with my wife as we drive by the Duck Pond and share a remembered summer night. I will shed a tear as we stop for just a minute at the memorial for those fallen Hokies on that fatal April day. I will tailgate with my friends before the big moment when its time once again to go into My Lane. And I will again walk through that portal and remember just how lucky I am to have all these lovely memories. Thank you, Lane.