Limestone has been used to construct Virginia Tech buildings since 1899 and is colloquially known as “Hokie Stone.” The regional Appalachian limestone is one-of-a-kind in color variation, mined just a few miles from campus near the Highland Park neighborhood in Blacksburg. Our beautiful, uniform campus is a source of great university pride for the way it conveys strength, regality and resilience.
Everyone’s favorite Blacksburg equine is none other than Lola. Though she is perhaps better known by her talent — “horse on a treadmill” — than by her name. When the sizzle reel set to “Shout” by Otis Day and the Knights cues up during home games, you can expect to see Lola galloping gallantly … on a treadmill. She was introduced in 2010 and symbolizes the University’s “Invent the Future” campaign. Lola became a viral sensation immediately, has her own “X” account to follow (@treadmillhorse) and merchandise to buy.
Thirteen Virginia Tech Hokies have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft, with players joining the rosters of the Lions, Texans, Giants, Bears, Steelers, Titans, Vikings, 49ers and Patriots over the years. Of those, Bruce Smith (1985) and Michael Vick (2001) were first pick overall with Smith heading off to the Buffalo Bills and Vick to the Atlanta Falcons.
Siblings have dotted the sidelines of Worsham Field for decades, logging 36 sets of brothers, including at least one set of twins. Keeping it “in the family” this season, Philip Montgomery will kick-off his Hokie football career as offensive coordinator while his son, Cannon Montgomery, will fill the role of assistant running backs coach. The most legendary father/son combo was head coach Frank Beamer (1987-2015) and his son, Shane, who joined the team in 2011 as running backs coach. The family-centric environment is fitting for a team and town that celebrates “This is Home.”
Growley is the beloved canine ambassador for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. The original Labrador Retriever was introduced in 2016 and has become a furry favorite, supporting faculty and staff and boosting school spirit. His moniker came from a man named “Growley” Schultz who managed the mess hall during the Great Depression. His food was said to be “growley” and leftovers were often fed to a commandant’s dog. Growley (#3 is now padding about) is naturally active on the socials. Check out his Instagram account, @vtgrowley.
Ordering snacks and drinks from vendors lining the underbelly of Lane Stadium not only satiates hungry fans but also pads the pockets of local nonprofits. Churches, schools, grade school marching bands, sports teams and human societies take away anywhere between $500 and $12,000 per season. On the for-profit side, Benny’s pizza opened in Lane during the 2023 season, selling approximately 1,550 slices per home game.
HokieBird, today’s friendly, chesty, caricatured mascot started out as a real live turkey performing tricks and entertainment during football games of the early 1900s. When Lane Stadium was built, the corresponding team name “Home of the Fighting Gobblers,” was showcased. Every academic year there is an unspecified amount of HokieBird mascots in rotation, with students keeping their alternate persona secret until graduation when they process in wearing a cap, a gown and HokieBird feet.
O.M. Stull immortalized the term ‘Hokie’ into the annals of Virginia Tech forever and, likewise, throughout collegiate stadiums everywhere. Entirely unique as a mascot and team name, the word was penned by Stull himself as part of a cheer to incite spirit and draw attention. While the term was admittedly gibberish, “Hokie” has safely reached legendary status as a brand, and likely very few college football fans remain unfamiliar with the trademark.
Key Play, the tradition when fans vigorously shake a bundle of keys during the opponent’s third down, began in the 1980s as a way to both distract and revere. Today, thekeyplay.com, is an independent, sanctioned news source for all things Virginia Tech athletics and has been touted by the likes of The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
If you ever wondered how many miles the Marching Virginians march each football season, keeping guessing, its elusiveness prevails. However, the spirited home band travels about 65,000 miles every year, which is equivalent to two+ trips around the Earth. They perform at every home game, select away games and various national and international events. Though well-traveled, it’s the Highty-Tighties, the Corps of Cadets regimental band, that has made six appearances in the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, beginning in 1977.
ESPN has hosted College GameDay 14 times in Blacksburg. The most (in)famous of which was during the home opener vs. Georgia Tech in 2000, when lightning struck correspondent Lee Corso’s car. This prompted his well-known musing, “I don’t know what a Hokie is, but God is one of them.”
Skipper, the Corps of Cadets cannon, was introduced during the Hokies’ 1963 Thanksgiving Day rival football game vs. VMI (W 35-20). A mere six days earlier, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, so the name became a way to honor the fallen president’s naval service as the captain, or “Skipper,” of a boat during World War II. Test firing the cannon happened on the Virginia Tech golf course with scavenged ketchup and mustard bottles filled with black gunpowder. The first official firing was a hefty, impassioned 50-round salute to President Kennedy.
Text by Nancy Moseley
Photos by Jon Fleming
