November 17, 2020

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November 17, 2020

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Miami Hurricanes blow away Hokies 25-24

MATT GENTRY / THE ROANOKE TIMES (POOL PHOTO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PAGE 2 November 17, 2020

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Students have gone too far with destroying property around campus in the name of humor

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Damages to property create unnecessary burden to residents, custodial staff and officers left to deal with the mess.

ost-quarantine freedom and newly stuffed residence halls can only be expected to breed a little chaos on the weekends, but party culture is taking it too far this time. With the lack of parties to attend and no more Center Street game days, there’s been a rise in vandalism — willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property — and it’s just not funny anymore.

As a third-year student living on campus, I’m unsure if it’s just being a grumpy junior who hits the hay at midnight on the dot, but the quads and Drillfield have seen a lot more action than usual this year. Dietrick Place is filled to the brim with students skating, eating and gathering in large groups as a result of the strict rules now in place in the residence halls. With a three-to-a-room limit, students are taking their party antics on the weekends to the outdoors campus grounds. This localized partying has brought an increase in vandalism on campus as well.

Every weekend you can scroll through Instagram and see the weekend’s shenanigans play on repeat — smashing lamp posts and impaling residence hall signs. Students are documenting their activity and sending in content just to make it on Instagram accounts like BurntCupVT, Blacksheep and other accounts of the sort. Yeah, they’re amusing to watch, but when it’s the same stuff over and over again, it causes damage and becomes incriminating. How many times can you watch someone steal a stop sign and hang it in their room before it starts getting old? In just this month so far there have been 40 cases of vandalism on campus, compared to last year’s full October report of 13 cases of such, according to the 2019 and 2020 VTPD daily crime logs. Many of these incidences are also documented and available for viewing online

at some point following the event itself.

Officer Micah Pasquarell warns of the dangers that these videos can cause to a student’s career and life at Virginia Tech.

“The police department, and if it’s appropriate, the threat team might also be made aware of footage,” Pasquarrell said. “Our investigators, our officers, are always monitoring that, and many times those videos come up in investigations. They have been useful in finding those that are involved.”

Videos posted online aren’t the only ones that can be used. On campus, in many locations, cameras are placed for surveillance purposes.

This sort of activity may be fun in the moment, and funnier afterwards, but it’s causing a hassle for on-campus workers such as VTPD officers on campus, resident advisors, and maintenance and housekeeping staff in the residence halls. Already up late on the weekends tending to the fallout of a 10 p.m. “get-together,” staff on campus are being worn out. Fellow students will have to pay the consequences of your irresponsibility and inability to have fun without vandalism, as VTPD presence increases on campus as they are urged to roam the buildings looking for trouble. Many incidences involve material such as glass, plastic and wood, and can cause harm to the participating parties. Not only do these actions have consequences, it’s downright disrespectful.

As young adults, it’s time to respect the environment you live in and the people who live here with you.

Pasquarell offered some insight on the process involved in fixing the damages done on campus.

“Typically it’s going to be reported by a resident advisor, a faculty or staff, or a police officer,” Pasquarell said. “From that point

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Slusher Tower, Sept. 21, 2018.

on it’s a matter of who’s responsible for this, who are we billing for it, is this something that facilities or maintenance can handle on site, or do we need to go to the manufacturer ... some items on campus are no longer necessarily being built.”

This can cause immense complication for staff involved, possibly going as far as newly made doors or light bulbs. Pasquerell also spoke on prices, stating that, “the actual light pole itself...alone is over $1600 to fully replace” and “the globe and the bulb comes out to about $350.”

TAYLOR HACKER / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Maybe we can focus on different ways to have fun, release emotions or whatever is prompting students to break things over and over and over again. Let’s start respecting the campus we pay to live on and the people who put it together, take care of it and keep it nice for you. It’s not funny to disrespect the work that goes in to make this campus so beautiful.

GENOVI RATTANA-JONES • junior • political science

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November 17, 2020 PAGE 3

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Gov. Northam announces new COVID-19 guidelines including restrictions on sale of alcohol Businesses are prohibited from selling alcohol after 10 p.m. and all restaurants must close at midnight.

BEN WALLS news editor

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a number of coronavirus-suppressing mandates Friday afternoon that went into effect Sunday at midnight.

All indoor and outdoor private and public gatherings must be limited to 25 people, which is substantially reduced from the current limit of 250, and those aged 5 and older must wear a face covering in public spaces.

Northam announced restrictions on businesses where physical distancing, appropriate face coverings and enhanced cleaning guidelines are enforceable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Consumption and possession of alcohol is prohibited after 10 p.m. for businesses with on-site sale, and all restaurants must close at midnight.

“COVID-19 is surging across the country, and while cases are not rising in Virginia as rapidly as in some other states, I do not intend to wait until they are,” Northam said.

“We are acting now to prevent this health crisis from getting worse.”

The Virginia Department of Health has reported 183,454 confirmed statewide coronavirus cases as of Nov. 15, and the state positivity rate is increasing, according to Northam’s announcement on Facebook.

“Numbers are going up in every region of the state, and we must act as one Commonwealth to get this virus under control,” Northam said. “We’re acting now, so things don’t get worse.”

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MATT JONES / COLLEGIATE TIMES Gov. Ralph Northam speaks to reporters after the debate, July 22, 2017.

NBC hosts Virginia Tech sophomore Ashley Brinkley on ‘TODAY with Hoda & Jenna’ Brinkley participated in the segment “Dorm Room Duel” and competed against a University of Texas student.

BEN WALLS news editor

Sophomore communication science and

social inquiry student Ashley Brinkley was featured on NBC’s “Today with Hoda & Jenna” on Monday, Oct. 26.

Brinkley represented the university on the

ASHLEY LONG / COLLEGIATE TIMES “TODAY Show” anchor and Virginia Tech alum Hoda Kotb holds up her Hokie hat during a virtual message of encouragement to the class of 2020, May 15, 2020.

show’s new segment, “Dorm Room Duel,” where college students are invited to play minute-to-win-it games.

After submitting an online application to appear on the popular show starring Virginia Tech alumna Hoda Kotb and co-host Jenna Bush Hager in the summer, Brinkley eventually received a phone call from an NBC producer over fall break and jumped on the opportunity to be involved.

“When I first (sent in the application), I thought there’d be a good chance I’d be picked because Hoda went (to Virginia Tech),” Brinkley said. “I was probably most excited about talking with Hoda and Jenna, even if it was for a quick second … I was really excited, but nervous to be on national, live TV.” While on-air, Kotb asked Brinkley about campus morale in the pandemic, and Brinkley didn’t shy away, saying, “(Hokie pride) is still

in full swing. Even though we’re not fully on campus this year, the school spirit is still crazy.

Hokie pride is always insane.”

Brinkley faced off with Chris Wang, a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, in a game of “Super Spoons,” where the students had to balance ping pong balls on spoons without using their hands and move as many balls from one bowl to another as they could in 60 seconds.

Wang edged Brinkley 23-21, but both students received one-year Amazon Prime student memberships for participating.

“I won in my heart — that’s all that matters, and it was cool to talk to Hoda and Jenna,” Brinkley said. “It was so much fun.”

@CollegiateTimes

PAGE 4 November 17, 2020

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Impartiality means reporting, editing and delivering the news honestly, fairly, objectively and without opinion or bias.

Credibility is the greatest asset of any news medium, and impartiality is the greatest source of credibility.

To provide the most complete report, a news organization must not just cover the news, but uncover it. It must follow the story wherever it leads, regardless of any preconceived ideas on what might be most newsworthy.

The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is

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Today’s birthday horoscope (Nov. 17): Expand and grow through communications this year. Creative discipline and consistency pay off in spades. Prepare for a slowdown with shared accounts this winter, before an income rise. Save for summertime expenses, before your family accounts harvest a windfall. Connect, network and share. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

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ACROSS 1 Deputized Western group 6 African capital near ancient Carthage 11 __-pitch 14 Milo of “Romeo and Juliet” (1968) 15 Ten sawbucks 16 Bench press target 17 Words from a vacillator 19 Snitch 20 Golf bunker contents 21 “__ fair in love ... ” 22 Golfer’s goof 24 Cogito __ sum 25 Bedtime wish 27 Hurry 29 Detroit NFLer 30 Religion 32 Swing and Disco 34 Casino gratuity 38 Feel out of sorts 39 Crusade 42 Neither’s partner 43 Marvel superhero 45 Peace signs 46 Up and at ‘em 48 __ fail: unexpected disaster 50 Pandora’s box, e.g.

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2 Subject of a seasonal buzz or nod 3 Utopia in “Lost Horizon” 4 Emit 5 Dog-dog connection?

6 Immune system agent 7 “I give up!”

8 Regulations affecting loud parties 9 “__ be an honor!”

10 Deals with 11 Hint of mint 12 Extract, as lye from ashes 13 The planets, since Pluto’s demotion 18 Sprint 23 Dryer trap fuzz 26 Leaning Tower city 28 Exam proctor’s reminder 30 Copier function 31 Intention 32 Primaries, say 33 Manhattan liquor 35 At risk 36 Pond carp

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37 Slip up 40 “Metamorphoses” poet 41 Bit of sunshine 44 Gas in signs 47 Layer 49 Monetary gain 50 Parcel (out) 51 Accumulated, as debts 52 Act with great passion 53 Fall beverage

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54 Map within a map 55 British bishop’s headdress 57 “Pied” folklore guy 58 Given to insolence 64 “Messenger” letters 65 Beats by __: audio equipment brand

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November 17, 2020 PAGE 5

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Goodbye Grads: John McBride – Grow your garden in college

Copy editor for the Collegiate Times John McBride looks back on his roots and says his goodbyes to Virginia Tech.

JOHN MCBRIDE copy editor

Gardening isn’t for the impulsive – the planning and preparation required will stifle any needs you have for instant gratification.

A bulb planted in the fall won’t show any signs of life until after the last frost of winter, so you’re stuck waiting there for months on end wondering if your hard work will pay off or wither into nothing.

Gardening can be used as a metaphor for almost anything in life, making it a cliche.

I’m John McBride the Garden Guy though, so I have creative license to use the cliche.

Therefore, I’m going to say – and you can roll your eyes at this point – that college is a lot like planning and maintaining a garden.

As an itty-bitty freshman back in 2017, I was planting seeds for the rest of my life that I wasn’t even sure would grow to be anything.

My choice in major, classes and friends would lead me to flourish under the warm sun or shrivel from a lack of proper care.

In the spring of my freshman year, I could feel myself drying up. I wasn’t happy with my choice to become an engineer; I thought there was another life that was meant for me.

In the span of a month, my college career took a severe turn. I had rooted myself in new soil. Writing and communication seemed to be the right environment for me, and with that realization I changed my major to public relations, dropped my math classes and picked up a pen as a lifestyles staff writer at the Collegiate Times in my last couple months as a freshman. Before I knew it, I was going out on assignments, interviewing local gardeners and Virginia Tech professors, and learning more about the New River Valley in eight weeks than I had in the previous semester and a half.

I couldn’t do it without the support of everyone I met along the way, though. While many plants may be self-sufficient, I am not one of them. The writers and editors at the Collegiate Times, my family at Sigma Nu, and every professor and classmate I crossed paths with contributed in some way.

Whether they came by and watered me every couple weeks or saw that I was beginning to wilt and gave me the proper care I needed at

COURTESY OF ANDREW MCBRIDE

that moment, I wish I could return the favor a hundred times over.

I’m not in any position to give advice since everything I know was taught to me by someone else, but there are a couple ideas that I want to share. First, don’t be a weed.

Weeds pop up everywhere and suffocate what we really want to grow – those beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and bees, which spread the goodness of a flower for miles. Good spreads more good in the world.

I don’t want to be spreading misinformation though, so if we’re being technical, then weeds do have some benefits, but let’s just keep going with the metaphor for now.

Second, take care of the garden of your

mind by challenging it. The plants with the deepest roots have been challenged more by the wind and weather, and they are the strongest in your garden. Without that challenge, your roots will be shallow, and a sudden breeze will topple you. Don’t take the class with the easy A. Rather, take the class that you are interested in, the one that slightly scares you and pushes you to do your best. You will learn more and be a better person for it.

I planted my seeds freshman year not knowing what would come of them, but I can happily and confidently say that I am proud of what I grew over the years. Whatever challenges lie ahead for Virginia Tech and

the Blacksburg community, I know that we can face it and come out stronger. Each of us is a flower in a garden larger than we can even perceive, and our individual beauty and goodness has power.

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PAGE 6 November 17, 2020

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How Virginia Tech’s fluffiest mascot unites the student body

Even though Growley is the mascot for the Corps of Cadets, he makes all Hokies feel better after a “ruff” day.

OLIVIA FERRARE lifestyles staff writer

Not every student gets the honor of accompanying the highest ranking cadet on campus to class. Dara Qualter, a junior cadet studying biological sciences, gets to spend every day with him, and she also gets to practice his high fives too. Cadet Brig. Gen. Growley “Tank” II may be the smallest cadet, but he packs in a lot of spirit.

He attends events like the Oak Lane Trickor-Treating, alumni fundraisers and can even give campus tours.

The official Corp of Cadets mascot program has been a part of Virginia Tech since 2016. An integral aspect of the university, Growley’s energetic presence and

loving demeanor help bridge the gap between the civilian and Corps sides of campus. One of his most important, but unofficial, duties is linking the military and civilian sides of the university. Especially during COVID-19, students have been feeling even more divided and lonely, missing the many events that augment the Tech experience. Growley and the handling team strive to change that, one Instagram post or tail wag at a time. He can be routinely seen posing with students, Virginia Tech landmarks and important visitors on his Instagram, @vtgrowley. His social media account strives to “bring a little fun and cuteness to everyone’s day,” Qualter said.

He has been especially impactful on the newest members of the Corps of Cadets, as

Growley II in front of the Pylons, Nov. 9, 2020.

freshmen adjust to college life and the extra responsibilities that come with the Corps.

“Having Growley in the Corps represents more than just a dog. For many of us, he serves to fill the times we miss our own pets at home,” said freshman cadet Christian Ceol, a national security and foreign affairs major in Army ROTC. “He is also a great example of some of the foundations of the Corps: training, companionship, loyalty and service. Growley serves every member of the Corps by being such a good boy.”

Haydn Miller, a freshman chemistry major in Naval ROTC, got to learn more about the handling program and play tug-of-war with Growley in his dorm halls.

“With the busy schedule I have … I find myself struggling to stay happy. I was deep

OLIVIA FERRARE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

in the books and heard a clinking collar running down the hall. It was Growley,” Miller said. “Not only did this visit give me the serotonin boost I needed to push me through the week, but I was also able to figure out how to join the Growley team next semester.”

The freshmen cadets have had fun getting to meet the famous mascot, as playing with him is a perfect stress reliever and a reminder of their value here at Virginia Tech.

Keeping up with Growley, however, is not an easy feat. Growley’s dedicated team goes through a rigorous application process, and the handlers rotate duties throughout the week. Not all of the team will necessarily study animals after college, but they join for the genuine passion for the community and the desire to unite the university.

Handler Michael McCord, a junior criminology and sociology major, sees working with Growley as a chance to prepare for a potential job in law enforcement and to refine his leadership skills.

“My favorite activity to do is play fetch with Growley on the Drillfield,” McCord said. “He’s so full of energy and always ends up adding a couple people to the game.”

McCord loves working with Growley for the deeper involvement in the university.

Alexandra Koler, a junior handler majoring in meteorology, loves getting to meet so many people through the program that she would not have elsewhere. Growley opens so many new doors for a cadet looking to expand their horizons, and she also appreciates the companionship that comes from the handling team. The handlers routinely train or accompany Growley together, and many describe the team as one of their favorite parts of their Virginia Tech experience.

Because of Growley’s strong presence around campus, the Corps of Cadets’ support is felt even more throughout Blacksburg.

He is another way the cadets give back to the school and the greater Blacksburg community. If you want to support the Growley program, look out for new “Tank” top and T-shirt designs coming to the bookstore in spring 2021. Part of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society, a cause near and dear to the Growley program. If you happen to spot him on campus, be sure to stop and give him some love.

@CollegiateTimes

sports

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November 17, 2020 PAGE 7

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Grading the Hokies: Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Sports editors Devin Shepard and Claire Castagno rate the Hokies’ performance against the Liberty Flames.

DEVIN SHEPARD AND CLAIRE CASTAGNO sports editors

Offense:

Quarterback: B Quarterback Hendon Hooker had an electric day again on the ground, rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown. He also had a good day passing, throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns. All in all, it was a very efficient day for Hooker, as he had to carry the Hokie offense with running back Khalil Herbert getting injured early. The concern is that Hooker has very much regressed as a passer this season, and it showed in this game. Hooker wasn’t making mistakes, but the Virginia Tech passing game is becoming rather nonexistent, which could be a coaching issue. Seventy-eight of Hooker’s 217 yards came in the fourth quarter against soft zone coverage. It may not show in the box score, but against tougher competition, Hooker will have to improve as a passer.

day, which continues to be a theme for one of the Hokies’ strongest units. The line also held up well in pass protection during the fourth quarter, allowing Hendon Hooker to attempt a comeback. However, it would not prove to be enough.

Defense:

Defensive Line: B+ Despite Virginia Tech allowing 249 rush yards from the Flames, the defensive line showed up. Norell Pollard, Amaré Barno and Jaylen Griffin all came away with forced fumbles and sacks of Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. Willis lost a combined 15 yards from the three sacks. Justus Reed, who contributed some big defensive plays against

Louisville, was nowhere to be seen. Reed only recorded one solo tackle throughout the game.

Linebackers: CVirginia Tech’s linebackers did not show up big for the game at all. Liberty was able to weave all over the field due to weak and missed tackles from the Hokies. Willis often had several seconds in the pocket to make decisions. Divine Deablo led the linebackers with an underwhelming five solo tackles.

Veterans Dax Hollifield and Rayshard Ashby recorded only three, and Alan Tisdale only two. Virginia Tech’s offensive did not show up enough to bail out the linebackers, either. However, the Hokies did keep Liberty

running back Joshua Mack to under 100 rush yards.

Defensive Backs: BThe defensive back unit did not display its best performance against the Flames either.

Liberty receivers were often wide open, and it resulted in many 10-plus yard gains.

Liberty receiver C.J. Yarbrough was able to put up a season-high 65 yards, and two other receivers recorded 30 yards or more.

Intercepting the ball is somewhat of a strong suit for this group of defensive backs, but the defensive backs could not catch the ball against Liberty. @CTSportsTalk

Running backs: C With Herbert out, Rutgers transfer Raheem Blackshear had to take on the ball carrying duties for the Hokies. He did alright, rushing nine times for 33 yards.

However, it was clear Hooker would be the focus of the running game after Herbert was out. He got 20 carries on the game, while the running backs only got 10.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: BThe receiving room had one of its better games of the season. Tré Turner led the way with six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. The passing game is still not a big part of the Virginia Tech offense, so the receivers as usual had a limited impact. Even so, outside of a bad drop by Turner, the pass catchers did their jobs, with both Turner and Kaleb Smith having some nice catches on the day.

Offensive Line: BThe big guys up front struggled early giving up a couple of pressures in the first quarter. However, they turned it around and helped Hooker to a big game on the ground.

They also didn’t give up a single sack on the

Virginia Tech vs. Liberty, Nov. 7, 2020

COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS

PAGE 8 November 17, 2020

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No. 9 Miami Hurricanes sneak by the Hokies 25-24 Miami scored the last 12 points of the game to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

AMBER WILLIAMS assistant sports editor

After a disappointing loss to Liberty the Hokies fell to Miami (7-1) Saturday, a top ten team, with a close score of 25-24.

The Hokies, now 4-4 for the season, held the lead in the third quarter, 24-13, after a 38-yard field goal by Brian Johnson. However, the

COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS

Hokies vs. Miami, Nov. 14, 2020.

Hurricanes scored the final 12 points to push past Virginia Tech. The Canes took the lead with almost 6 minutes left of play; their first time leading on the scoreboard in the match.

Hendon Hooker had 260 yards, throwing 201 yards and rushing for 59, for this match and scored a touchdown. Hooker tried to secure the win for the Hokies, but it wasn’t enough to get past the Hurricanes.

Miami’s quarterback D’Eriq King threw 255 yards, threw a touchdown and ran in for a score to ultimately outplay Virginia Tech. Miami did not allow the Hokies to score on their last five possessions.

The loss could be attributed to the season low of rushing yards, 160, and total yards, 362, garnered from the Hokies. They allowed a season-high six sacks.

Despite this, some of the Hokies displayed their talents on the field. Jarrod Hewitt had 2.5 sacks, tying his career high. Jalen Holston had two rushing touchdowns which were the first for him since 2018.

Head coach Justin Fuente commented on his team’s back-to-back losses. “ … I feel better about my football team now than I’ve felt at any point,” Fuente said. “I’m not happy with not winning but my gosh did our guys lay it on the line today.”

The Hokies take on the Pittsburgh Panthers away next Saturday at 4 p.m.

@CTSportsTalk

Soccer star Emily Gray leads UNCUT Blacksburg, a platform for Hokie athletes to share their stories Gray predicts UNCUT will expand to other schools and hopes it helps people see a different side of student athletes.

CLAIRE CASTANGO sports editor

Virginia Tech midfielder Emily Gray is making an impact on the Virginia Tech community in ways besides her soccer skills on the field. Gray is a co-founder and sports media director of UNCUT Blacksburg, a platform launched in September for Virginia Tech athletes to share their stories.

Gray tore her ACL last year and was out for the majority of the soccer season. During this time she read The Players’ Tribune, a platform for professional athletes to share first-person stories. The Players’ Tribune

and UNCUT Chapel Hill inspired her to start UNCUT Blacksburg. She recruited a group of mostly communications students last spring to put it all together.

“It’s good for the person telling the story because they can get things off their chest.

There’s mental health stories, there’s battles through adversity and injuries, and there can be positive stories too,” Gray said. “I know other people who have gone through my injury and have really struggled and need to know that other people have experienced this.”

So far, UNCUT Blacksburg has a series called Road To Back featuring Gray herself,

former Hokie basketball player Jonathan Kabongo and lacrosse players Paige Petty and Morgan Berman. Gray said that written content from soccer, lacrosse and football players could be coming in the future.

UNCUT Blacksburg’s content is not created just for the pleasure of student athletes though.

“We want the general community, Hokie Nation, to see a side of student athletes that they don’t see on a regular basis,” Gray said.

“They see the stats, they see the name on the back of the jersey, but they don’t know who that kid is underneath the helmet.”

Gray predicts that the UNCUT media

platform will expand to other colleges around the country in time.

You can read UNCUT Blacksburg’s content on its website and follow on Twitter and Instagram. If you are an athlete looking to share your story, or join the UNCUT team, contact uncutbburg@gmail.com.

@CTSportsTalk