PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE LEAVES VIRGINIA TECH VOTERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS
Ayisha Surani | news editor
This is the second presidential debate of 2024 following President Biden’s resignation from running for a second term.
On Sept. 10 at 9 p.m., Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump began their debate as the current top nominations for the Democratic and Republican Party.
This was the second presidential debate of the year, after the previous one between President Joe Biden and Trump before Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21. Biden issued full support to Harris’ campaign according to his resignation letter from running for what could have been his second term in office.
Over 67 million viewers watched the presidential debate live, including Hokies with an interest in politics such as clubs Young Democrats of Virginia Tech and College Republicans at Virginia Tech.
Sean Herb, an industrial systems engineering major and the second vice chair
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for College Republicans at Virginia Tech, believed that the debate didn’t sway him on who to vote for. However, he felt that the debate could have caused people to choose their candidate nationwide.
“I think for certain members in the club who are a bit more on the fence, you might have some of them one way or the other,” Herb said. “And I think that for the average American that isn’t super like, plugged into all this kind of stuff, it might affect them a little bit,” Herb added.
Herb also said the stances on this election are vastly different within the club.
“There are some members that are very pro-Trump. There’s some members that are very, very much, so not pro-Trump, but there’s a wide spectrum,” Herb said.
Dawit Sheckler, political science major
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and voter education chair for Young Democrats at Virginia Tech, similarly said that the debate did not change his stance on who he was going to vote for. However, his positive thoughts for the candidate he wants in office grew.
“I was ready going in (the debate) gonna vote for Harris. And I guess that debate made me feel even better,” Sheckler said.
Sheckler also believes that Harris being in office would be better for students in universities. “Reproductive health is very important to people our age, because many people our age are of reproductive age. I think she wants to work on student loans,” Sheckler said.
While Herb doesn’t believe that either candidate specifically would make much of an impact on day-to-day undertakings at the university, he does think that it could impact future protesting over the Israel and Palestine conflict.
“I don’t think either president will have any impact on the way in which student life is, unless, of course, one of them is very pro-Palestine or pro-Israel,” Herb said.
Both representatives of the Young Democrats of Virginia Tech and College
Republicans at Virginia Tech wanted clearer answers from the candidates.
“I’d want a more definitive answer from Kamala regarding Israel-Palestine. I think that’s a big issue in the election cycle. And I think that neither of them made a very clear stance on abortion, either,” Herb said.
Sheckler emphasized the question asked by moderator Lindsey Davis on Trump’s plans to remove the Affordable Care Act and asked him what his plans were for replacing the healthcare plan.
“He was like, ‘I have concepts of a plan. I’m not president yet.’ And that was just not a good answer,” Sheckler said.
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A REVIEW OF FEDERAL AND STATE GUN LAWS
Bethany Lenhardt | news writer
The phrase “thoughts and prayers” has created controversy on the internet over insensitivity.
Over the 21st century, occurrences of gun violence across the United States have increased. As such, the prevalence of gun violence discourse has risen.
On Sept. 6, 15-year-old boy Warren Grant was fatally shot at Joppatowne High School in Hartford County, Maryland. USA Today reports that the 16-year-old shooter, Jaylen Prince, is “well-acquainted” with the police, due to his involvement in 10 incidents since 2022.
According to AP News, two days before the Maryland shooting, 14-year-old boy Colt Gray killed four people and injured nine others at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. He was known to the FBI after they received “anonymous tips in May 2023 about online threats to commit an unspecified school shooting.”
School shootings have created controversy between political parties in the United States, especially around primary election season. Following the Georgia shooting on Sept. 4, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance said at President Donald Trump’s rally in Phoenix, Arizona, “I don’t like that this (school shootings) is
a fact of life.” He then called to “bolster security” in schools so people cannot “walk through the front door and kill a bunch of children.”
However, opinions vary. According to Politico, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz rebuked Vance’s comments. “It’s a fact of life some people are gay,” Walz said. “Folks are banning books, but they’re okay with weapons of war being in our schools,” he added. It begs the question: what are the facts surrounding gun laws? What is legal and what is not?
The Department of Justice published a quick reference guide to federal firearm laws. Firstly, a firearm is defined as a weapon that will “expel a projectile by means of an explosive or is designed or may be readily converted to do so.”
The federal laws include seven distinct parts, as follows. It is illegal to possess a firearm or ammunition as a prohibited person, such as a felon, addict, alien, subject of a domestic restraining order, convict of domestic assault, fugitive or someone dishonorably discharged from
the military. It is also illegal to sell, give or dispose of a firearm to a prohibited person.
One may not use, carry or possess a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. One also may not steal, possess, manufacture or unlawfully carry a firearm, ammunition or explosive.
Finally, it is against the law to have a firearm in a school zone or to sell, deliver or transfer a firearm to a juvenile. In the Georgia school shooting case, the father of the suspect faces felony charges on allegations that he allowed his son to possess the murder weapon, according to NBC News.
Attitudes towards firearms vary amongst the states, and so do the state laws. The Virginia State Police published a list of frequently searched topics pertaining to firearms and the relevant legislation.
Amidst both the evidence seen in mass shootings and the hard facts of the law, there’s one phenomenon that is left in the air. As gun violence has become more pervasive in the news of the United States, so has the phrase, “thoughts and prayers.”
Discourse surrounding this phrase has been seen on social media platforms such as Reddit, Instagram and YouTube over the last few years. The Chicago Sun-Times published an article specifically referencing young adults of today using social media with the headline, “Gen Z is tired of thoughts and prayers,” suggesting the general feeling appears to be frustration.
In 2023, former Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell wrote a piece for the opinion column of The Hill. He starts the piece by listing cities with no context, later revealing that they represent the locations of the 131 mass shootings so far in that year. The piece was published in March. He went on to say that no elected official should be able to use the phrase because it is “The height of hypocrisy for any politician to offer ‘thoughts and prayers’ to victims’ families when they know they will not support any changes to stop gun violence.”
OPINIONS ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN ADOLESCENCE CREATE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
Jenna Mason | Assistant opinions editor
Dating throughout teenage years sets the stage for romantic relationships in adulthood.
Many people experience romantic relationships throughout their teenage years. When young couples find each other, they’re able to bond and connect with one another on various topics and interests. Adolescent relationships also give people a sense of belonging and togetherness; furthermore, these relationships have the potential to leave long-lasting positive and negative effects. Whether those relationships last for six months or over a year, they all teach us something about ourselves, our values and our future relationships.
According to Act for Youth, romantic relationships in adolescence teach people about
ways to communicate and how to deal and process emotions and personal identities. These kinds of relationships also contribute to a fundamental foundation of romantic partnerships in adulthood and personal growth and happiness throughout teenage years.
Statistics show that “about one in three 13-year-olds has had a romantic relationship, and the number naturally increases with age.” However, this varies by both culture and sexual orientation, such as in AsianAmerican teens due to the discouragement of adolescent dating in Asian cultures. Also, many people of different sexual preferences tend to get into the dating game later in life
because of the lack of people who’ve come out; although, this is beginning to change within newer generations.
A study by the National Library of Medicine states that romantic relationships between early and late adolescents can lead to potentially long-term risks and benefits. Some of the risks they found were mainly within early adolescents’ partners — between the ages of 12 and 15 — which included strenuous problems in mental health. Anxiety, depression and eating disorder symptoms were associated with dating early on.
On the other hand, people who dated later in their adolescence were found to have more
psychosocial benefits rather than negative ones. These benefits included social concepts of self-esteem, self-worth and a higher social support system. Not only did these people develop beneficial interpersonal skills during their teenage years, but they also developed a better understanding of what they wanted from a relationship during adulthood: emotional security, conflict resolution capability and companionship.
Savannah Bragg, a freshman majoring in communication, shared her experiences of having relationships during her teenage years. continued on page 4
continued from page 3
“I was 15 when I got into my first relationship and it lasted about six months,” Bragg said. “Throughout the years, being in a relationship has taught me the importance of communication, empathy and viewing situations from new perspectives.”
Bragg also spoke about what these relationships taught her when it comes to looking for a future partner.
“My relationships throughout my adolescence have taught me what values I want to have in relationships and the characteristics I admire in a partner,” Bragg said. “The more you learn about yourself and your personal needs, the easier it becomes to seek out a healthy, loving relationship that can last a lifetime.”
Not only did Bragg learn more about herself during her teenage relationships,
but she also developed essential communication skills.
“The best thing that has come out of my relationships as a teenager is the ability to be empathetic towards others and the ability to forgive,” Bragg said. “These characteristics are so important because they will build every relationship you have, not just the romantic ones.”
For those who’ve never had a relationship during their adolescent years, college is a way to get out of their comfort zones and experience romantic relationships with different kinds of people. Going to college forces people to interact with new groups, and these groups can often lead to romantic interests and partners.
According to an article written by Young Leaders, higher education makes people grow in numerous ways. Some of these
include developing communication skills, becoming more independent and feeling more confident. Not only do these skills help you grow as a person, but they can also help you when dealing with interpersonal relationships.
As you can see, having relationships throughout your teenage years is an important steppingstone of life. Yes, these relationships may come with some risks depending on the partners and the course of the relationship; however, there are also plenty of long-lasting benefits to teens’ perceptions of love, themselves and their future romantic endeavors. It’s hard to say whether dating during teenage years is the right thing to do, but no one will know until they try. It’s especially important to have at least some kind of romantic involvement throughout adolescence to set realistic
LIFESTYLES HOW TO MAKE THE
MOST
expectations for relationships during adulthood. When it comes to dating, the only thing that’s important is trial and error and figuring that out before the pressure to settle down sets in may be the right choice for some people.
OF FAMILY WEEKEND WHEN YOU’RE FLYING SOLO
Kate Dalton | lifestyles contributor
For Hokies whose parents won’t be coming to visit, here’s some ways to keep busy.
parents can make the trip to Blacksburg for the weekend. If that’s the case for you, it does not mean the weekend has to be any less special.
If your family cannot make it to Blacksburg this year, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to have a fulfilling and enjoyable weekend.
Connect with Fellow Students
Many students’ families cannot make it for Family Weekend, so find someone else who is going solo for Family Weekend and team up! Many students face the same situation, and partnering with someone in a similar position can be an opportunity for new connections, shared experiences and mutual support. It could even turn a lonely weekend into an enjoyable one.
Stay Active and Engaged
Keeping yourself busy is a key strategy for making the most of Family Weekend. Dive into campus activities, attend the football game or discover new spots in downtown Blacksburg. Whether it’s trying out a new restaurant, participating in campus clubs or simply hanging out with friends, staying engaged will
help lift your spirits and keep you entertained. Remember, just because the numerous events and activities scheduled throughout the weekend are advertised for students and their families doesn’t mean you can’t attend as well!
Stay Connected with Home
Even if your parents can’t be there in person, maintaining communication is key to having a successful solo Family Weekend. A quick call or video chat can bridge the distance and keep your family updated on your life. Share highlights from your week, talk about exciting campus developments and let them know how you are doing. This small act not only helps alleviate homesickness but also reinforces the bond with your family, making the physical distance feel a bit smaller. By following these tips, you can turn Family Weekend into a rewarding and enjoyable experience, even when celebrating without your family. Embrace the chance to explore, connect with others and fully engage with your college community.
KEVIN DICKEL
Virginia Tech will play Rutgers during Family Weekend, as they did during the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl.
DEAR PARENTS, LOVE HOKIES
Cat Pizzarello | lifestyles contributor
A heartfelt letter from a freshman writer shares what students may want from their parents during visits.
Parents: as much as they may hate to admit it, your kids miss you. College is a huge adjustment that comes with unfamiliar environments, experiences and people. Among those is the often-inevitable feeling of homesickness.
Especially for freshmen, almost every face seen is foreign. Your visit will bring, at the bare minimum, a comforting presence. That being said, use this time wisely. If you are planning to visit your kids during Family Weekend, here are some things to keep in mind to make the visit memorable.
Family dinner off campus
Virginia Tech dining is one of the highest ranked in the country, but even so, the food can still become tiresome. Luckily, Blacksburg boasts unique and inviting restaurants in the downtown area. Some options are Not Your Mama’s Pasta, hosting some of the best pasta in Blacksburg, and The Blacksburg Tavern, which provides a comforting Southern meal with a historical feel.
“I would like them to take me out to dinner because I love a good family meal,” said Celia Shafer, a freshman majoring in interior design.
Family dinners are a great opportunity to finally talk in-person and for your student to tell you all they have done while also enjoying a delicious meal. Don’t miss out on the dessert; the apple pie at The Blacksburg Tavern is crave-worthy.
Take
them out shopping
After your meal, take the opportunity to explore the shops. The downtown area has plenty of Virginia Tech bookstores, boutiques and VTThrift, a one-stop shop for discounted, vintage Hokie apparel.
“I want them to take me to the store and get a bunch of stuff for my dorm,” said Marissa Conley, a freshman majoring in international relations. “And all the stuff I have (run) out of while being here.”
The Blacksburg Farmers Market also provides a variety of plants and flowers to help lighten up your student’s living space. Some other additions could be lamps and rugs that provide a cozy and homey feel to your child’s dorm or apartment. Even investing in some school supplies they may still need can be a welcome gesture.
Care packages
During your visit, your child may already be running out of certain essentials or have realized necessities they forgot.
“I’m making a list for my mom to bring up, like shampoo and conditioner and definitely snacks,” Shafer said.
Snacks are always appreciated for a quick grab-and-go pick-me-up before classes. Don’t forget midnight study snacks. Some easy microwave snacks are popcorn, mac and cheese cups and noodles/ramen.
“I really want them to bring me all the stuff
I forgot, especially all my clothes for the next season,” Conley said.
In the chaos of packing up the belongings, certain items from home don’t quite make it into boxes. Specific clothes, books or games might bring your student comfort in a new environment.
Another necessity that students may have already run low on is tissues. As the Hokie plague sweeps the campus, many have their fair share of sick days. Along with tissues, cold medicine and cough drops can be other helpful things to provide.
While arranging your package, throw in something heartfelt. This could be printing off some pictures of their family, hometown friends or even pets for them to have in their living space will provide them comfort. Even writing them a short letter to put at the bottom of your gift can go a long way.
Campus Tour
Let your student take on the role of tour guide and walk their schedule with them. You’ve likely already been on a tour of the campus with your student. Seeing where your child learns each and every day can give you a better idea of their college experience.
On your walk, ask questions about their involvement on campus and let them show you where they have been making memories. Taking interest in what they are engrossed in on campus will provide them with a feeling
of appreciation and motivate them to stay engaged. If you want to check out some specific landmarks special to Virginia Tech, read them all in “A guide to campus landmarks.”
“We are going to the game together, so I will show them the football traditions and tailgates,” Shafer said. On Saturday, Sept. 21, there will be a football game against Rutgers. This is another great way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere at Virginia Tech.
Fuel their self-expression
As a final note, while you likely want to spend every minute with your student, let them know they are allowed to spend their time elsewhere. Your kids miss you, but they’re still trying to find themselves in college, especially during freshman year.
If there is an event they are required to or want to attend, let them go. Take that time to explore, and then show them what you saw around campus. There will be plenty of time to share moments with your students over the years they spend at Virginia Tech.
As you bid your children farewell, there may be sadness about your departure. Be sure to wish them well and offer many lastminute hugs. Let them know their presence on campus alone is a gift and every Hokie is a special one.
@COLLEGIATETIMES
WE’RE ALL FAMILY HERE: FALL FAMILY WEEKEND SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Emma Duncan | lifestyles editor
Family Weekend is full of interesting events; learn about some of them here.
When talking about campus, Hokies often say that “This is home,” but for many, home is where their parents, siblings and pets are. From Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, 2024, Blacksburg and hometown residences will collide for Fall Family Weekend. If you’re expecting visitors, here are some of the highlights from next weekend’s itinerary.
Friday, Sept. 20
The Family Resource fair will be held in Squires Student Center from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
To immerse your family in all downtown Blacksburg has to offer, attend Kickoff on College Ave: Blacksburg 101 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Local businesses will have their doors open for shopping, dining and exploration, accompanied by several Virginia Tech booths set up along the sidewalks.
GobblerNights for Families and Students will feature live music at the Graduate Life Center Plaza Fountain from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Students familiar with campus lore know
that there are 15 gargoyles sculpted into the campus’s architecture. To visit all of these gargoyles with your family and learn about their history, attend the “Behind the Scenes” Campus Tour from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The tour will leave from the Pylons at War Memorial Chapel.
From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Breakzone in Squires Student Center will be hosting Family Free-Play and Hospitality. Families can enjoy bowling, billiards, table tennis, foosball, air hockey and video gaming for some friendly competition to end the night.
But wait, there’s more This is just a preview of all Fall Family Weekend has to offer. Programming will take place from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. To access the full schedule for Fall Family Weekend, download the Hokies on Track app and view the “Hokie Families” guide.
THE BEST OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES AT VIRGINIA TECH
Riley Thompson | lifestyles contributor
Lifestyles contributor Riley Thompson shares recommendations for parents looking to take their students off-campus.
Wondering what to do while visiting your student during Family Weekend? Is your student sick of being on-campus? Need something fun other than the football game?
Look no further. Blacksburg is a vibrant town full of culture, beauty and history. But still, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to find things to do in such a big community, especially if your student wants nothing to do with anything on-campus. No need to worry though. Compiled in this article are lots of restaurants, fun things to do, historical spots to visit and some great outdoor activities to try while in Blacksburg!
Indoor Activities
The Lyric Theatre truly is a staple of Blacksburg history and culture. Dubbed the Heart of Blacksburg, it’s a must-see. The theatre has been around for almost 100 years, so it’s a great place to stop by if you want to step back in time or just catch a show. Plus, the tickets are priced with families and students in
mind!
The theatre started out in 1909 on a corner in downtown Blacksburg before going through a series of relocations until 1930, when it found its permanent home on what is now College Avenue. The Lyric was initially a premiere movie house, but nowadays it’s used for all sorts of events, including live performances, music, theater productions and regular movies.
During Family Weekend, you can catch “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and other films at the theatre. While you’re there, make sure to get some of their famous, delicious popcorn. Looking for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more? The Blacksburg Farmers Market has it all! This local hotspot has been managed by volunteers and run by local vendors for over 25 years. Located in the heart of downtown Blacksburg on the corner of Draper Avenue and Roanoke Street, the market is a great place to check out while you’re out and about in Blacksburg!
There are about 34 total vendors on their website, and even more in person. They each sell high-quality products. There are multiple options to choose from while shopping, such as meats, dairy, eggs, crafts, honey and beeswax, mushrooms, plants, produce, and more. All of it is fresh, too!
The market is a great place to visit if you want to support sustainable farming and local small businesses. Vendors are from around a 50-mile radius from the market. The market is open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check it out and support some awesome local businesses!
As one of the most hard-to-miss landmarks of Blacksburg with its vibrant red, green and black color scheme and unique architectural style, the Alexander Black House is a major part of Blacksburg’s culture and history. Constructed by William Black, a descendant of the founder of Blacksburg, this Victorian style home was built in 1896. This iconic Blacksburg
house eventually fell into disrepair. It was restored in 2014 and now sits on Draper Road. It’s not just eye candy, however, as there is a plethora of things to do and see inside. To name a few, you can view the rotating art exhibits, hang out in community areas, learn from an exhibit of Blacksburg’s history and more. They even hold community events at the house, making it a great place to pop in with your student.
Bored of history? There’s also a gift shop if you’re hungry for some shopping. The shop promotes local artists, so your money will support residents in Blacksburg. Make sure to visit the house to peek into some of Blacksburg’s rich culture and history.
Outdoor Activities
Cascades Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and for good reason. This
continued on page 7
AMBER WILLIAMS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
An autumn evening in downtown Blacksburg, Nov. 4, 2022, Blacksburg, Virginia.
continued from page 6
4-mile hike is located in the Jefferson National Forest, where you’ll hike along a trail of mostly dirt and rocks, surrounded by the forest. Around the 2-mile point, you’ll reach the main attraction of this hike: the waterfall.
Cascade Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Virginia. It’s 66 feet tall, and is well worth the two-mile journey to get to it; plus you can swim in it! It should still be warm enough outside for water activities, so reward yourself with a dip before heading back along the trail.
This hike is located in Pembroke, Virginia, but it’s only 30 minutes away from Virginia Tech’s campus. The trail isn’t too hard, so many should be able to complete it with a little bit of effort. Plus it’s incredibly worth it for the waterfall at the turn around point. Give it a visit while in town.
Virginia Tech’s campus, and all of Blacksburg, is in an ideal place to hike some of the coolest parts of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The AT itself is one long 2,000+ mile long trail that splits up into different smaller hikes for people to do. They’ve got some of the best views out of any hikes in Virginia.
Some hikes even feature jaw-dropping destinations, like McAfee Knob, a giant rock ledge overlooking a wide expanse of hilly forests, or Dragon’s Tooth, a hike that ends at a tall rock spire resembling a dragon’s tooth. The options are endless with the AT.
Many of the trails can go on for miles and miles, but don’t worry. If you’re not an experienced hiker or don’t want to go all that distance, just hike part of the way out and turn around. It’s still a great way to spend some time with your student, and you’ll enjoy some of the best hiking experiences in all of Virginia.
Another water-based attraction, the New River Junction is a great place to go if you just want to relax on the water. Located in the New River Valley, it’s a popular spot for tubing, camping and other water activities.
If you decide to go tubing, the river will take you a mile downstream, where you can ride the water rapids. While you’re there, you can cook up some food on the grills and sit around a fire with friends and family. All individual costs stay under $20.
Tubing is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday. This is a great option if your student wants a relaxing trip away from campus.
Restaurants
Picky eaters rejoice! Macado’s has a large menu and is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy. Since 1978, Macado’s has been serving its incredible food. There are countless options to choose from, including burgers, quesadillas, wings, clubs, wraps, grilled cheese, salads and more. Starting off in Roanoke, Virginia, the restaurant exploded in popularity. Macado’s has since come to Blacksburg and has been thriving thanks to its tasty food and inviting atmosphere.
Their specialty, however, is their tasty, overstuffed sandwiches. There are over 40 sandwiches to choose from, each with its own unique name (my favorite is the Hindenburg, which serves four people!). If you’re a fan of sandwiches, this is the place for you. They’ve got every type of meat you can think of, all the toppings and fluffy bread that never disappoints.
Regarding the actual restaurant itself, it’s an awesome environment. The decorations give the building a very welcoming, fun atmosphere to dine in. There are lots of cool things to look at while dining. They’ve got Superman and a giant gorilla hanging from the ceiling, as well as a Hokie Bird statue inside. Beyond the decor, they’ve got a very nice bar and some really nice options for seating. I highly recommend this restaurant, it’s an amazing restaurant to stop by while in Blacksburg.
You can never go wrong with American food, especially grilled food, which is what G2’s All American Grill is all about. It’s a relatively new spot to Blacksburg, as the restaurant first opened to customers in 2023. So, if you’re someone who’s been to Blacksburg before, this is a great new place to check out while you’re in town!
Let’s move on to the food. G2’s offers some very tasty classic American food, while also keeping it fresh and interesting with some unique dishes.
In terms of classic American food, G2’s has got it all covered. They’ve got great fries, onion rings, tater tots, wings, cheese pizza and of course, the cheeseburger. G2’s has a strong variety of American food to choose from, and since American is their specialty, you already know that they’re going to make it right!
However, G2’s likes to spice it up too, and offers new and intriguing dishes that you might not find at other American grills. For example, their burgers. Two specifically caught my eye, the first being the black and blue burger. Something about blue cheese and bacon jam on a burger sounds intriguing, and it makes you want to try such a unique and flavorful combination. The other burger that caught my
eye was the avocado-chipotle burger. Fresh avocado and chipotle mayo on a burger? Count me in! If you’re coming to Blacksburg, you’ve got to stop by G2’s to try out these awesome dishes.
Beyond the food, G2’s has a very cozy atmosphere to it; it’s not too big and not too small. It’s in a nice spot in downtown Blacksburg, so you can dine and watch Blacksburg’s vibrant community in action. All in all, G2’s is a fabulous spot that you’ve got to try while in Blacksburg.
Serving delicious food since 2014, Mellow Mushroom is a popular spot here in Blacksburg. If you love pizza, then this is the right restaurant for you! Their pizza menu is extensive — they’ve got everything from shiitake, to vegetable, to buffalo and so much more. They’ve got a unique selection of pizzas that you won’t find at many other places in the area. Although, if you’re looking for something simpler, their cheese pizza is still to die for.
But if you’re not looking for pizza, you’re still in luck. At Mellow Mushroom they’ve got wings, salads, calzones, burgers, hoagies, desserts and plenty of different appetizers. There are also gluten free and vegan options, and it’s peanut free (but always check with your server to make sure). You really can’t go wrong with this restaurant.
The restaurant itself is nestled in downtown Blacksburg. Inside, you’ll find a very welcoming atmosphere with relaxing lighting and very comfortable furniture. The service is great, so you won’t be waiting too long to eat. Overall, Mellow Mushroom is a must-visit while in Blacksburg.
Whether you want tasty restaurants, fun things to do, or outdoor adventures, Blacksburg has it all. Be sure to check out some of these great activities with your student while visiting.
SPORTS HOKIES SUPPRESS — DON’T EXTINGUISH — CONCERNS IN 37–17 WIN AGAINST OLD DOMINION
Dylan Tefft | sports editor
Virginia Tech exorcises its Norfolk demons with first-ever victory at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Up 14–0 after quarter one, Virginia Tech was seemingly going to achieve the full 60 minutes of domination it felt it should’ve had against Marshall and Vanderbilt.
Virginia Tech (1–2) went into halftime with that lead crippled at 14–10. That’s typically no major concern, but against a winless and starting quarterback-less Old Dominion (0–3), coming off an embarrassing season opener and sloppy week two, it was more than enough to strike anxiety in Tech fans. At S.B. Ballard stadium in Norfolk, no less, where the Hokies took losses in 2022 and 2018 that were nothing short of heartbreaking.
As is customary for Virginia Tech thus far in the season, however, it entered the second half new-and-improved, scoring enough to retire the starters and convincingly win, 37–17.
The Hokies struck quickly, scoring their first opening drive touchdown in nearly a year. Then it was a 54–yard Kyron Drones to Da’Quan Felton connection against Pitt, now it was Drones to wide receiver — and wide open — Jaylin Lane, who snuck behind a puzzled ODU defense that lost Lane streaking out of the slot for a free 25-yard touchdown.
A career day for Lane continued next possession, as Drones recovered a backfield fumble and found the five-foot-ten graduate student for a 46-yard catch that saw him break multiple tackles and tiptoe up the sideline for bonus yards. Virginia Tech recovered what could’ve been a disastrous mistake, not unlike the slip-ups that hampered it across weeks one and two.
Drones finished that drive with a fourth down tush-push touchdown after Old Dominion nearly stuffed the Hokies at the goal line enough times to flip possession.
Lane’s breakout performance stalled beyond the first half, but he finished
with a game-high 106 yards, 91 of them coming after the catch.
Hokies’ star running back Bhayshul Tuten rivaled Lane for the offensive game ball with 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including an early fourth quarter score to put a dagger into Old Dominion’s comeback hopes. Tuten now has two straight games of 100+ yards to put the senior back on track following a lackluster week 1.
An injury scare came for Tuten in the second quarter, but he returned in the third with his a wrap on his knee. Both of his touchdowns came following the setback.
Former Monarchs’ receiver Ali Jennings, left tackle Xavier Chaplin, receiver Stephen Gosnell and linebacker Keli Lawson also suffered injuries in Norfolk. Gosnell returned, and none of the other injuries are expected to be major, according to Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry.
There was no “most impactful” competition on the defensive side of things. Antwaun Powell-Ryland won that outright with his four sacks against the Monarchs. The Portsmouth, Virginia native tacked on two forced fumbles and recovered one to make him the most decorated defensive Hokie on the season statsheet in his homecoming.
However, star performances and highlight plays don’t make the victory flawless. A drawn out “garbage time” inflated a score that while still convincing, wasn’t devoid of concerns. The Hokies were great on the ground but ineffective through the air. Drones threw for 176 yards, which is passable only until you learn that more than half of those yards were Lane’s after-the-catch yards. Only 70 of Drones’ yards were true air gains.
Virginia Tech’s schedule isn’t getting any easier. The Hokies’ passing game will need to find a rhythm if they hope to
prove themselves ACC contenders. With both of Old Dominion’s backup quarterbacks throwing for 50 yards combined in their first collegiate snaps, it was another excellent — yet expected — showing by the Hokies’ pass defense. The run defense was a different, more disappointing story despite the Hokies anticipating handoffs and rushing attempts by Old Dominion’s inexperienced backup QBs. Three Monarchs totaled 67 or more rushing yards, including former Virginia Tech running back Bryce Duke, who gathered 85 yards on just four carries.
Old Dominion totaled 264 rushing yards on the day, including a 65-yard running score by freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle, whose upfield dash highlighted Hokie struggles with rushing quarterbacks that began in week one against Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
Facing Rutgers’ superstar running back Kyle Monangai next weekend, the Hokies will need to close some more gaps if they want to win. That match will be back at Lane Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m.