August 22, 2023

EDITORS’ NOTES

MOMIJI BARLOW | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICTORIA WEBER | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome back to Blacksburg! Whether you’re a new Hokie or a returning student, the start of a new academic year signals new beginnings. As a senior this year, take it from me — your college experience flies by. Don’t stay holed up in your dorm room and join clubs and organizations that encourage your passions. We certainly won’t complain if that ends up being the Collegiate Times.

As a third-year student and member of the Collegiate Times, I cannot stress enough how important it is to get involved in your community. Leave your door open, attend new student events, go to the farmer’s market, hang out in the dining halls, talk to your classmates, etc. Don’t be afraid to do things alone, but remember that your fellow Hokies will almost always welcome a new friend.

NEWS VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES THEMES FOR UPCOMING FOOTBALL SEASON

JANE PARK | news EDItor

New group themes join the traditional White, Maroon and Orange Effects.

On Aug. 16, Virginia Tech’s athletic department released details regarding promotions and themes for the 2023 football season. Virginia Tech Athletics offers group tickets to groups of 10 or more for ticketed events in Blacksburg, according to HokieSports. Taking into account group size and wishes, the department offers incentives, such as prize packs, pregame sideline access and more.

The first home game is against Old Dominion

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University, the themes of which are Marching Virginian for a Day and Virginia Tech Faculty and Staff Appreciation, as stated on HokieSports. A pyrotechnics show will be displayed. The game will also recognize Virginia Tech’s ACC Co-Dual Champions Wrestling team and ACC Champion and Final Four participant and ACC Champion Women’s Basketball.

In the game against Purdue University on Saturday, Sept. 2, it is an Orange Effect, meaning

Hokies should wear orange. There will also be the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame recognition at halftime, along with the recognition of 2023 NCAA Champion Swimmer Youssef Ramadan. Corps of Cadets Homecoming will also be taking place.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, Virginia Tech will play against the University of Pittsburgh. This game will be a White Effect. The overall theme of the game will be Military Appreciation, so group themes are Scout Day and Ticket for Troops. The Highty Tighties will also give a military-themed performance at halftime.

celebrations.

Virginia Tech and Syracuse University will play on Thursday, Oct. 26. This game will also display pyrotechnics. The group themes are Local College Night and Virginia Tech Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day. During pregame, Team Fastrax will provide a skydiving performance.

reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

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Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times.

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Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Virginia Tech will face Wake Forest University; the theme is Maroon Effect. This game will also wrap up homecoming

The last home game is Virginia Tech versus North Carolina State on Saturday, Nov. 18, which is also Senior Day. Group themes are Education Day and Youth Team Day. Virginia Tech alum Corey Moore will be recognized, along with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

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Editors-in-Chief: Momiji Barlow and Victoria Weber (editor@collegiatetimes.com)

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VIRGINIA TECH HOSTS GOBBLERNIGHTS CARNIVAL

JANE PARK | news EDItor

The annual event offered carnival rides, food and drinks, a mentalist show and more.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Virginia Tech Student Affairs and Student Engagement and Campus Life hosted the annual GobblerNights: Carnival Kick Off from 8 to 11 p.m at Squires Student Center, according to GobblerConnect. The event included carnival rides, games, airbrush tattoos, music, free food and drinks and more.

Carnival rides, such as The Tempest, 4 Person Tumbler, Round Up and more, were set up in the Squires parking lot. Inside the building was a photo booth, arcade games and a mentalism show.

“I think it’s really fun,” said Njeri Jackson, a sophomore human development major. “I like that Virginia Tech put this event out because it’s honestly an alternative to partying in all honesty, so I’m pretty happy they did it.”

GobblerNights is one of many events leading up to the academic year. For Janos Erdelyi, a freshman in general engineering, he said the

events have helped his transition into Virginia Tech.

“I think this and other events we’ve been doing the past week have really helped welcome me. It’s not the event themselves; it’s allowed me to hang out with people I’ve met, so it has helped me create bonds,” Erdelyi said.

For freshman general engineering major Hanako Patten, she hadn’t come onto campus before the event, which left her impressed.

“It’s really cool,” Patten said. “This is my first time on campus, so it’s cool seeing all the buildings, and this place is really pretty.”

Not only did freshmen attend the carnival, but there were some returning students as well, such as Aislin Campbell, a sophomore studying biology.

“I came to this event last year, my freshman year, and I had a ball,” Campbell said. “So I wanted to come back again this year, and I love

Experience. Art.

The Moss Arts Center is your home for amazing arts experiences at Virginia Tech. The building, the performances, the exhibitions, and more — they're all for you.

PERFORMANCES | EXHIBITIONS | EXPERIENCES

that they offer a variety of activities. Of course the main thing is the rides, but they have a lot of take home things and just a lot for people to do.

artscenter.vt.edu

It’s a super well attended event.”

Student tickets for performances are just $10 for students! Or Virginia Tech students can sign up for free rush tickets by texting “arts” to 833-966-1838.

Free rush seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, and availability varies by performance.

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Three attendees at Gobblerfest take a selfie on the Ferris wheel, Aug. 31, 2018.

EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY BY EXPLORING OLD-TIME MUSIC

Chris Donaldson | opinions columnist

By appreciating old-time music, the Virginia Tech community can connect with the region they call home.

When I first came to Virginia Tech as a freshman, I never imagined Blacksburg would have such a thriving music scene. To my surprise, students who, by day, were aspiring engineers, biologists or computer scientists, were talented performers by night. From funk to punk, local bands of all stripes fill basements and bars with scores of eager listeners week after week. But, as with much of college life, so much of the music scene in Blacksburg is temporary. Great musicians graduate, tastes change and touring groups keep rolling south on I-81 leaving Blacksburg in their rearview mirror. It’s difficult to pinpoint anything close to a “Blacksburg sound” — a single style of music with any kind of staying power in our region. Old-time is perhaps the only exception.

Also known as mountain music, old-time is the traditional music of Southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region. It’s an acoustic style of music, driven by the fiddle and banjo — guitar, bass and other strings may also round out the sound of an old-time ensemble. It’s lively, good for dancing, and as the name implies, it’s old. Many of the songs still enjoyed today at old-time gatherings are well over a hundred years old, and some date back to the 1600s. Most of all, it’s a people-centered style that’s best enjoyed live and in the company of friends and neighbors. For this reason, it would be incredibly beneficial for Virginia Tech students to explore the old-time scene in the New River Valley, not just for the music, but for the history it represents and the unity it nurtures.

Like Appalachia itself, old-time music is a product of the many cultures who have called the mountains home through the years. Exploring the old-time scene in the New River Valley is a great introduction to our region’s history. Old-time songs like Cumberland Gap and Wise County Jail are rooted in the local landscape. Others like Blackjack Davey and Billy in the Low Ground date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and evolved from European folk songs. Driven from Europe by religious conflicts, ScotchIrish and other European immigrants brought their families and their fiddles to Southwest

Virginia beginning in the decades before the American Revolution. From its earliest days, Black musicians also contributed largely to the development of old-time. The banjo evolved from the Akonting, a stringed instrument originating in the Gambia region of west Africa. The syncopated picking style known as clawhammer which provides the rhythmic drive of old-time music was also developed by Black musicians.

Old-time dances are also a product of Appalachian cultural exchange. Over the centuries, Scottish Jigs, French quadrilles, Cherokee stomp dances and Black social dances merged and diverged into a variety of styles. Clogging, square dancing, flatfooting and buck dancing are a few you can experience at old-time festivals and gatherings.

But how did all these traditions become one? In periods of history defined by prejudice and hostility, how did people of different backgrounds and social status interact to create such a unique blend of cultures? The answer might lie in the way old-time is played.

Most modern music is akin to a spectator sport, with a group of skilled musicians offering up songs to a waiting, often paying, crowd. Old-time jams, however, are more like a neighborhood pickup game. Musicians play purely for the thrill and the company of their fellow musicians. Every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. at Market Square Park in the heart of Blacksburg, musicians and music lovers gather. There’s a host band scheduled to play, but no stage or any real separation between the players from the audience. The band starts to set up and more local players arrive and sit down to join the band, arranging their chairs in a loose circle. Someone calls out a tune, and anyone who knows it starts to play along. Those who don’t listen closely, jumping in as their fingers find the notes. Others stand back from the circle, chatting and dancing as the music moves them. When one tune fades to a finish, another is called and the jam goes on, with fiddles droning late into the evening. The atmosphere is cordial and casual, and there is an instant feeling of community continued on page 5

Courtesy of the Town of Blacksburg

continued from page 4 among all involved.

Before radio or recorded music, this was how music was enjoyed in the small, isolated communities of Southwest Virginia. In the shadow of the mountains, if you wanted relief from the hardships of life, you looked to the people around you for entertainment. And when those people were different, rigid social mores were often broken in the name of good music.

The survival of old-time music has always depended on people of many backgrounds learning from one other. Traditionally, as remains true today, these songs are learned by ear and passed down from generous teachers to eager learners. Because of the way it’s played and the way it’s preserved, the old-time scene supports a kind of musical unity that spans generations and transcends the superficial.

Earl White is a talented local fiddler and one of a small but growing number of Black Old-time musicians. He earned his stripes playing at old-time jams in the 1970s with the great fiddlers of his day. At that time Black old-time musicians were a rarity: but as he explained to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, it was not always this way. Upon meeting him, the older white fiddlers

would recall the days when, despite strict legal segregation, Black and white musicians often played together. Legendary Virginian banjoist Dock Boggs recalls walking miles down the railroad tracks of Wise County as a boy following an itinerant Black guitarist known as “Go Lightening,” begging him to play a tune.

“A lot of what I advocate is that old-time music is not Black music, it’s not white music. It was always played together,” White said in an interview with West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

White’s playing was influenced by renowned fiddler Tommy Jarrell a white man, and native of Surry County, North Carolina, who himself learned to play the fiddle from his father and uncle. The sense of history and community that defines our local old-time scene is unmatched in the world of modern music. Virginia Tech students should experience this valuable musical community for themselves and take an interest in its preservation.

There is also a kind of artistic unity among old-time musicians. Unlike other genres, old-time never saw much commercial success. Musicians aren’t vying for exposure or trying to make it big. In any given jam, all involved are present purely for the thrill of the music. And

because the tunes are as old as the hills, their composers have been lost to history. There is little concern over ownership, no dividing line between cover songs and originals because every song is both a chance to revive an old favorite while making one’s mark on the tune. In an era where professional musicians struggle to strike a balance between imitation and originality, old-time supports a refreshing culture of artistry that Hokies should support and enjoy.

So how can Hokies get involved with old-time music? As Ginger Wagner, banjo player in Blacksburg’s own Indian Run String Band explains, you don’t have to be a master musician to get involved, or even a musician at all.

“One of the best connections for a newcomer to Blacksburg is the Market Square Jam located at the Farmers Market corner,” Wagner said. “Every Wednesday from 7-9 (p.m.), there is a four-piece old-time band with fiddle, guitar, banjo and bass playing mostly well-known tunes that are jam friendly. This is organized by the town of Blacksburg and runs from June through the end of September. Bring your own chair and instrument. Dancers are encouraged to join in.”

Many local venues also host old-time

dances which are a great introduction to the music.

“There will also be a public square dance at Rising Silo Brewery, a popular music scene, on Sept. 30. They are calling it a Harvest Party dance,” Wagner said. “Check their website for details. The Indian Run String band will be playing, and LP Kelly will be calling the dance.”

Another great place to experience old-time is the Floyd Country Store. Located about 40 minutes from Blacksburg on Floyd’s main drag, the store hosts music and dancing every Friday night and an old-time jam every Sunday afternoon.

In the modern era, it’s easy to put in some headphones and retreat into one’s own world, but old-time music reminds us that music can be a communal experience. To experience the old-time scene is to share the thrill of music not only with the people around you but with the generations of musicians who’ve come before. With such a rich tradition and an atmosphere like no other, Hokies should experience the old-time scene in our own backyard and help keep the music playing.

@COLLEGIATETIMES

LIFESTYLES

BANISHING BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES: HOW TO SUCCEED THIS SEMESTER

ColLEEN HENNEBERRY | managing editor Managing editor Colleen Henneberry shares advice on going back to college and how to stay on track this semester.

Gone are the days of tanning on a beach, international trips and summer naps — because the fall semester is upon us. For some, the new school year may be a welcome change of scenery from their hometown; but, that doesn’t make transitioning back to school any less stressful. So, how do you make this change easier? Here are some ways to set yourself up for success.

Develop a routine

The addition of new classes, extracurriculars and housing can hugely impact how you spend your time — because of this, it’s helpful to follow a morning and night routine. For example, the basics include eating a healthy breakfast in the morning before classes (yes, even your 8 a.m.) and getting a good night’s sleep. Routines also help reduce stress, because there’s no uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring — and, it gives you the feeling of control. By establishing a daily routine in the midst of busy class schedules,

you’re able to complete tasks without thinking about them, because they will become second nature to you.

Read a syllabus or two

If time allows, make sure to read your class syllabus before the class starts. Most professors will send them at least a couple days before class for this very reason. This will give you an opportunity to make sure you know where and when the class is and what materials you need. Looking at the syllabus is especially important if it’s a class that requires a textbook, but be sure to check the prices of textbooks before purchasing on sites like bookfinder.com or slugbooks.com. Above all else, you’ll also be able to get an idea of what the class will be like, its schedule and the attendance policies for that specific professor.

Set up your space

School isn’t the only change you’ll be going

through: most students will be moving back into dorms or apartments at this time, so it’s easy to feel discombobulated. On the bright side, you can take this as an opportunity to create a comfortable space for yourself so you have a space to relax and unwind. Hang up posters of your favorite band, tape some funky lights to the wall and make the space you’re living in for a year your own.

It’s also important to find a designated place to study and focus on schoolwork. For some, this may be their desk in said comfortable space, or for others, it may be somewhere else entirely. A lot of students tend to study on campus to free themselves from distractions — check out the Collegiate Times’ article on the best study spots around campus to find your study space.

Take care of yourself

The most important advice is: take care of yourself! Experiencing major changes in your

day-to-day life is hard — and naturally, as humans, we tend to despise change. When so many things are happening, it’s easy to neglect basic needs, which only makes the stress of dealing with change worse. Oftentimes, all we need is a good meal and a full night of rest to improve our mood. A great way to take care of yourself is to be realistic about your class schedule. Talk to your advisor if you feel like your course load is too much to handle, or if you have any other issues along the way. As always, if you feel like this change is disrupting your daily life and well-being, don’t be afraid to reach out to Cook Counseling (ucc. vt.edu) for help. Welcome back Hokies, and have a great start to your school year!

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HOW TO NAVIGATE GOBBLERFEST

Emelia Delaporte | Lifestyles assistant editor

Learn how to prepare for and make the most of this campus-wide event.

Oh, Gobblerfest. Hundreds of organizations strewn across the Drillfield, interspersed with games, advertisements, performances and more. Whether you’re about to attend your fourth or haven’t yet been to your first, it may be an intimidating scene.

Gobblerfest can be an influential experience. Getting involved in student organizations may lead you to jobs, degree-track changes, your closest friends and new or continuing passions. A game plan can help keep the chaos — and it is chaotic — at bay while you look for exciting additions to your time at Tech.

Do some research

GobblerConnect is your best resource when it comes to student involvement. While not every organization on the website (where there are over 1,100) will be present

at GobblerFest, every organization at Gobblerfest will be on the website. You can take time to go through the site and make a list of those that you find most interesting before you enter onto the Drillfield on Sept. 1 from 4-7 p.m.

GobblerConnect is equipped with a category search function. It’s not perfect, but it does help organize what you may be looking for. There are 20 category options to help you sort through the 1,086 registered student organizations. For example, if you select “Media & Publications,” the list narrows down to 26. Under “Recognized Club Sports,” there’s 31 options.

Know your route

There will be a few maps posted around the Drillfield, generally color-coded towards the different sections. Take a picture if you can.

The booths are split up similarly to the way that their organizations are on GobblerConnect. An American Fisheries Society booth would likely be near the Forestry Club. Fungus United would probably be around there too. Similarly, WUVT, our student radio station, will be near the Collegiate Times booth.

Prepare for swag

Maybe you’ve heard of the bounty of shirts, cups and pens that students come home with from GobblerFest each year. Most of them come from apartment management companies trying to advertise, but sometimes they’re just around for students to take. Personally, the shirt haul from my first two years is going toward a T-shirt quilt when I graduate.

My advice — bring a tote bag, or whatever

you prefer to carry things in. A couple of booths may have drawstrings, some with goodies in them. Many booths will also have stickers, pins, candy, brochures and more that you may want to pick up as you pass.

Bring a buddy

If there’s any time you’re going to get lost on campus other than outside of Lane Stadium on a football Saturday, it’s probably going to be Gobblerfest. If history serves, it’ll be packed. Bringing a friend can make the crowd less overwhelming and help you keep your goal booths, if you have any, in your sights. Your friends may want to see different things than you do, which can open you up to exciting organizations that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. continued on page 8

continued from page 7

You could also make the decision to divide and conquer. Many booths have informational sign-up sheets or QR codes available. If you know each other’s email addresses, you can sign each other up for booths. You could also take pictures of QR codes to share.

Remember there will be other chances

If you don’t make it to all the booths you want to, don’t fret. Toward the beginning of the spring semester, a smaller event called GobblerFair will take place inside of Squires. While not as many organizations will participate, plenty of them will still show.

Many organizations have interest meetings following Gobblerfest and GobblerFair. Some of these dates are available on club websites, Instagram pages or GobblerConnect. Additionally, many organizations are willing to take on

members at any time during the semester if you reach out to them or even just show up.

A list of organizations is not available online. However, the CT has a gallery of photos from the 2022 GobblerFest that can give you some ideas. If you want to know if a certain club will be in attendance, try checking out their social media.

Remember — most organizations will be around your next semester. There’s no rush to get everything figured out your first semester, or even your second or third. For now, though, enjoy the 2023 GobblerFest.

@COLLEGIATETIMES

ANDREW RODGERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Gobblerfest, September 2, 2022.

HOW-TO HOKIES: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING RESOURCES

Emelia Delaporte | lifestyles assistant editor

Here are some underutilized resources designed to improve your quality of life at Tech.

While Virginia Tech offers a variety of resources to their students and faculty, they are often underused due to a lack of awareness. Here’s a list for incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as returning Hokies.

Food assistance

Virginia Tech has two primary options for food assistance. The Dean of Students Office offers a resource called the Market of Virginia Tech, where undergraduate and graduate students can enroll to pick up groceries on a weekly basis. Additionally, the Dean of Students Office has access to emergency grants for food, housing and more.

The second primary resource is 209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech. This food pantry is located at the Wesley Foundation on Roanoke Street, just behind the Creativity and Innovation District. Additionally, 209 Marketplace has toiletries and school supplies. A point system is in place for shopping.

In addition to these university-affiliated resources, other local organizations such as the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, the Montgomery County Christmas Store and the NRV Thrive Food Access Network

may be able to provide assistance to eligible community members.

Mental health

It is well known that college can be one of the most trying times in a person’s life, particularly when it comes to mental health. While preservation and/or reclamation of your mental health are unique personal journeys and there’s no one-size-fits-all method, Tech is home to multiple options to help you on your way.

Cook Counseling Center, on Oak Lane, is the university’s hub for mental health resources. Here, you’ll find information on personal and group counseling, support groups, presentations and workshops, TimelyCare and more. TimelyCare is free, real-time access to services like health coaching, mental health support, and counseling for Virginia Tech students.

Hokie Wellness, which has a variety of wellbeing resources, works with Koru Mindfulness to provide free mindfulness and meditation practices. Finding and creating safe spaces is an important part of maintaining health and well-being. On campus, these places might include War Memorial Chapel, the meditation

room on Newman Library’s third floor or the Hahn Horticulture Garden.

Schiffert Health Center

Schiffert Health Center has a number of underutilized resources. In-person care can cover many of your needs, and Schiffert can write referrals for what they can’t treat on-campus. Unlimited visits are included with tuition.

On Schiffert’s website are additional health resources. These include guides for self care, sexual health, how to help prevent basic illnesses, quitting addictive substances and general medical advice.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

The SSD department works to create an inclusive campus and to provide accommodations, resources and services to students with both long-term disabilities and temporary illnesses or injuries.

An academic coaching program is offered each semester to a few students. SSD also provides study aides online through their Academic Coaching Nook. This website also includes directions to tutoring resources

on campus. SSD provides support for standardized tests, academic relief, career development and more. Werth Testing Center helps students utilize their accommodations during academic assessments.

More information on accessibility and accommodations can be found at https://ssd. vt.edu/access.html.

The Women’s Center at Virginia Tech

The Women’s Center is one of Tech’s most underutilized resources. From childcare to networking, gender-based violence support to equity workshops, the Women’s Center is invaluable. Drop-in hang-out hours for the semester will likely be available. To learn more about this resource, check the website regularly or subscribe to their newsletter for programming updates.

Although college likely won’t pass without its difficulties, your Tech community is here to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you and to search out what you need. Good luck, take care of yourself — and welcome back, Hokies!

@COLLEGIATETIMES

SPORTS HOKIES KICK OFF HOPEFUL SEASON WITH A BULLDOGS BLOWOUT

Thomas Bray | Sports Editor

Women’s soccer began their season with a strong start.

Head Coach Charles “Chugger” Adair will enter his 13th season at the helm of the women’s soccer team. Last season, Virginia Tech had two of the better freshmen in the conference and country in Taylor Price and Natalie Mitchell. With contributions from their rookies and returners, the Hokies opened their season in dominating fashion, shutting out Butler on their way to a 3–0

victory.

Junior Lauren Gogal scored the first goal of the 2023 campaign in the 53rd minute, courtesy of a Mitchell pass. The shot was Gogal’s second career score and first of the 2023 season. The Haymarket, Virginia native started 16 games as a sophomore in 2022.

Coach Chugger’s rookies were quality

players early last season, and there was no exception in their 2023 opener.

Newcomer Samantha DeGuzman scored her first collegiate goal in her first regular-season appearance for the Hokies.

Coach Chugger believes DeGuzman is an adaptable player that can be vital to their success early in her collegiate career.

“Sam is an explosive, dynamic, and

versatile forward who can beat you individually. She can score goals within the team play as well as create on her own.

During the few years we recruited Sam, we have seen her continue to grow and develop by increasing her versatility and playing ability. We expect her (to) come in to create and add to the already strong continued on page 11

WELCOME BACK, HOKIES!

Welcome to the beginning of another academic year! You and your classmates are arriving at an exciting time. We’re expanding our course offerings, adding new learning spaces, and planning career fairs all to provide you with a first-class educational experience that prepares you for success following graduation.

This fall the Quillen Spirit Plaza and Dietrick Hall renovations are complete, and we encourage you to take advantage of these spacious, interactive areas. The first of our new academic buildings in the North Academic District, the Data and Decision Sciences building, is now open, and our Cook Counseling Center has moved into a new building with more resources for you. The student football tailgate returns for a second year, and we can’t wait to start jumping to “Enter Sandman” when our football team kicks off the season Sept. 2 at Lane Stadium!

Thank you for choosing to bring your talent, drive, and enthusiasm to our university community and joining our mission to be one of the world’s leading modern land-grant institutions. We look forward to helping you establish and achieve your career goals.

Let’s have a great year, Hokies!

Tim Sands, President

continued from page 9

offensive power we have (at) Virginia Tech,” Chugger told Soccerwire. This game was uncompetitive for most of the second half, but Mitchell also scored her first goal of the season against the Bulldogs. The goal was largely due to a Bulldog red card. Butler- defender Claire Farrington received the send-off in the 69th minute and Mitchell capitalized

shortly after.

The Temecula, California native was excellent in her freshman campaign in 2022. Mitchell had eight assists last season, the most by a freshman Hokie since 2006. Taylor Price didn’t get the start today, but she was named to the College Soccer Women’s National Team of the Week, as well as the ACC all-freshman and all-ACC third teams in 2022. Price will certainly be

an integral part of the Hokies success in 2023 and beyond.

The Hokies (1–0) will travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for their next match. The Hoosiers (1–0) kicked off their season in similar fashion, dominating Illinois State in a 3–1 victory.

2019 HOKIES’ FOOTBALL TEAM: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Thomas Bray | Sports Editor

A look at where the players from the 2019-20 Hokies’ football team are now.

It’s been four years since the Hokies have played in a legitimate bowl game. They may have lost in a Belk Bowl shootout, but this Hokies team was loaded with NFL talent.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the stars that contributed to Virginia Tech’s last winning season.

Hendon Hooker - Quarterback

Hooker was always efficient for the Hokies when he was healthy. The 2019 season saw Hooker throw just two interceptions and 13 touchdown passes. In addition to rushing for 356 yards and five touchdowns, Hooker also completed 61.1% of his passes on his route to 1,555 passing yards.

After battling injury and sharing reps with Oregon-transfer Braxton Burmeister, the Greensboro native announced that he had entered the transfer portal.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Being a Hokie has been an unforgettable experience,” Hooker said. “To all of my brothers, I love you all like my blood. Captain Hook signing out.”

After transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers, Hooker exploded under Josh Heupel. After throwing a career-high 31 touchdown passes in his first season as a Volunteer, the veteran quarterback seceded that with a special 2022 season that included an upset victory over Alabama.

Hooker’s meteoric rise caught the attention of professional scouts. Many believed he could be a first-round-pick in the NFL Draft. In fact, The former Hokie was eventually drafted in the third-round by the Detroit Lions.

He’ll need to rehab from the ACL injury that ended Hooker’s senior season at Tennessee, but Hooker was drafted as a potential successor to current Lions quarterback Jared Goff. His journey has been remarkable.

Christian Darrisaw - Tackle Darrisaw immediately became a star left tackle for the Hokies in 2018. As a freshman, the Petersburg, Virginianative was a 247 Sports True Freshman All-American. Other notable players on the list included Trevor Lawrence, Jaylen Waddle and Micah Parsons.

Darrisaw started 22 consecutive games to end his career. As a Hokie, Darrisaw amassed several accolades, including a second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC nod in 2020.

After an illustrious career in Blacksburg, Darrisaw was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After excelling early at the collegiate level, Darrisaw started 10 games as a rookie in the NFL.

The 23rd overall pick has battled injuries, but he’s proven to be one of the better tackles in all of football. In 2023, Darrisaw protected Kirk Cousins’ blind spot, logging 853 snaps at left tackle. His performance in the trenches garnered a 90.3 PFF grade, trailing only Trent Williams for the best in football.

Darrisaw is arguably the best Hokie in the NFL and was a big reason for their success in 2019.

Caleb Farley - Defensive Back Farley was one of the best defensive

backs in the FBS in 2019. After playing quarterback in high school, then-head coach Justin Fuente shifted Farley’s position to cornerback. The transition may have very well been the best decision of Fuente’s tenure in Blacksburg.

The Hickory, North Carolina-native had two interceptions in his first game ever as a defensive back. After a promising rookie campaign at cornerback, Farley broke out in his second year on defense. In 11 starts, Farley led the ACC in passes defended and was second in interceptions.

His measurables coupled with his abilities as a cornerback drew attention nationally. In an exclusive interview with Chris Simms, he was compared to star-cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Several scouts viewed the redshirt-sophomore as the top defensive back heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, Farley has become a prime example of “what could’ve been” during his time in the NFL. The microdiscectomy that plummeted his draft stock was just the beginning of the first-roundpick’s health struggles.

Since being selected by the Tennessee Titans in 2021, Farley has landed on season-ending IR in both seasons. The 24-year-old has a lot to prove, but a healthy 2023 campaign could silence all of Farley’s doubters.

Hooker, Darrisaw and Farley were three of the most recognizable names from the 2019 team, but there were several other NFL players on the roster. The ten other players drafted into the NFL include Khalil Herbert, Divine Deablo and Amare Barno.

Herbert recently scored a 56 yard touchdown in the first week of the

preseason, and has rushed for over 1,100 yards in two seasons with the Chicago Bears. Barno has blossomed into a quality rotational player on the defensive line. The 6’6” pass rusher also recently shined in week one of the preseason, registering a sack.

The Hokies haven’t had much success on the gridiron as of late and have obviously looked in a new direction with their coaching staff. However, their 2019 roster showed that, under the right circumstances, the Hokies can produce NFL-caliber players. However, the 2019 roster showed that the Hokies could still produce a bevy of NFL talent post Frank Beamer.

@CTSPORTSTALK