Virginia Tech Hokies

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HOKIES

While Auburn University goes well out of its way to clearly communicate that Tigers and not War Eagle is its only official nickname, Virginia Tech still embraces two separate names.

Even though an actual Hokie doesn’t exist, most fans across the nation know VT by that name. Perhaps they’re drawn to this nickname since they grew up doing the Hokie Pokey at birthday parties and skating rinks.

Anyway, VT first got Hokie in 1896 after Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College changed its name to Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The school’s name revision called for a new cheer, prompting a contest held by the student body. Senior O.M. Stull won the contest by bellowing a “Hokie” yell that is still repeated today by VT fans. When asked if his “Hokie” yell had any special meaning, Stull admitted that he had used it for the sole purpose of attracting attention for his cheer.

Gobblers is another nickname that has served VT. It was gobbled up by the university when the Gobbler was introduced as the football team’s mascot in 1912. Fans and sportswriters were said to be so awestruck with the school’s new symbol, that Gobblers joined Hokies as

names for VT’s athletic teams. Followers of Tech sports aren’t as quick to gobble these days as that nickname now plays second fiddle to the Hokies.

“VPI VICTORY MARCH”

Before this university located in Blacksburg, Virginia changed its name, it was known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Hokie fans still embrace many old traditions including the “VPI Victory March.” While Tech now competes in the Big East Conference, the song’s first verse singles out opponents from an earlier age.
“You have seen the Hoyas tumble
You have made the Indians cry,
And you know the Army Mule
once took a kick at V.P.I.
Worthy teams from Lexington
have fought with all their might,
But now it’s time to show the world
that V.P.I. can Fight!”

Virginia Tech fans love to get out the Virginia Tech Hokies Merchandise for the Saturday afternoon tailgating parties. It does not get any better than spending Saturdays with families and friends.