Paige Dinneny spinning during the Homecoming Parade; Source: Facebook
The Marching Virginians had an action-packed Saturday! We started the day bright and early with the Homecoming Parade. It was great seeing so many people cheering us on. A couple hours after the parade, the MV’s had a short rehearsal to make sure the halftime performance was up to standard, and then marched to Lane Stadium in the March to Victory.
With the Hokies only narrowly ahead of UNC before halftime, the Marching Virginians had a perfect opportunity to hype up the crowd and the players with Power Closer, a song that includes many popular Virginia Tech chants and a VT formation on the field. The Highty Tighties joined the Marching Virginians to provide a musical accompaniment to the homecoming celebration. The MV’s concluded the performance by celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Tech Triumph.
As the time on the clock started winding down, the intensity of the game was amplified. During fourth quarter, North Carolina and Virginia Tech were neck and neck. The Marching Virginians played exhilarating stand tunes to keep up the spirit and engage the crowd. Fourth quarter ended in a tie: UNC 31 vs VT 31. The game enters overtime.
After the first two overtimes, UNC and VT are still tied, since they both scored a field goal then a touchdown. During the third overtime, Virginia Tech’s chances seemed bleak when our team failed to score, however the Marching Virginians did not lose hope and continued to keep morale up. Both teams failed to score during Fourth and Fifth overtime, bringing the game to sixth overtime, the most in ACC history.
Virginia Tech Drumline during “Stick it In” Source; Facebook
Sixth Overtime. The entire stadium screams in an attempt to distract the UNC players. UNC did not score, now it is up to the Hokies. Soon, the entire stadium erupts in a familiar sound: “Stick it In”, a drumline cadence that was banned from Lane Stadium 12 years ago due to its inappropriate nature. After “Stick it In”, the Hokies scored, winning the game. Many fans believe that “Stick it In” truly motivated the players in that moment which led to our win. After the Hokies scored, “Enter Sandman” blasted throughout the stadium energizing the entire stadium.
The Marching Virginians truly served their purpose this weekend by using music to motivate the players and the fans. Even when our prospects looked bleak, our music and positivity still brought life to the game. Hopefully, we can keep this pattern up for the rest of the season!
Marching Virginians and Student Section after Hokie win! Source: Facebook