We had fun meeting Wake Forest’s band! Source: Daniel Agunias
After a long break for the MVs, we got to return to Lane Stadium for the first time in three weeks as Virginia Tech was hosting the 22nd ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Saturday was Band Parents’ Day for the MVs so many family members were on campus to support the group. I hadn’t seen my family since before auditions in August so it was great to see them and hang out with them!
Wake Forest’s band also came to visit as they were playing at the game! I know a lot of MVs, including myself, went over to go meet with their band members and got the chance to talk with them. Then we even got to hear them when they played for us just before the March to Victory. It was a cool experience to chat with them for a little bit because it was all love between the two ensembles.
The game was dedicated to Bud Foster, Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator of 33 years who is retiring at the end of the season. MVs helped distribute banners to everyone at the game, all saying “This one’s for Bud” on one side and sporting the famous Lunch Pail on the other. The game was a fitting tribute to Bud Foster, as Wake Forest’s high-flying offense was held in check by Bud’s defense. After a hard fought first half, we were trailing 10-6 in a game that looked to be anyone’s for the taking.
Bud Foster being honored before the game; Source: The Roanoke Times
The MV’s halftime performance was probably our most crowd-interactive of the season, as we did a karaoke show featuring many beloved songs: Brown-Eyed Girl, Sweet Caroline, Friends in Low Places, Call Me Maybe, Africa (by Toto), Livin’ On A Prayer, and Enter Sandman. With lyrics up on the Hokie Vision screen, the crowd was singing along and having a great time. The final drill set of the show spelled out THANKS BUD, another tribute to Bud Foster. The MV seniors were then recognized and all asked to come to the front, and the crowd gave all of our dedicated seniors a standing ovation. It was a great way to send off some of the university’s finest in their last performance as MVs.
The last halftime show in Lane Stadium for many of our Hokies; Source: Facebook
After a bit of back and forth from both offenses to start the second half, Virginia Tech put the pedal to the metal and Bud’s defense held Wake Forest scoreless for most of the second half. The defense intercepted Wake Forest’s quarterback twice and sacked him three times during the game, and the offense scored a few insurance touchdowns to close out the game with a 36-17 victory. Bud was handed the lunch pail and carried off the field after the impressive defensive performance. The MVs finished the victory off with some of our favorite stand tunes, culminating with the cherished Superman Fanfare.
Now only one win away from bowl eligibility, things are looking great for the Hokies as they head to Georgia Tech next week. Thank you to all the family members who came out to support the MVs and thank you Bud Foster for your dedication to our football team and the university. Catch the MVs in two weeks for our pregame performance against Pitt!