The Virginia Tech Hokies is a college football team that was founded in 1892 when the school was still known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Its school colors are Chicago maroon and burnt orange and first worn during a football game against Roanake College in 1896. Known as the Hokies, the team competes in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. In 1896, it became known as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, which is now called the Virginia Tech. Rivals of the Hokies include the University of Virginia, Miami, FL, Boston College, and Syracuse among others. Virginia Tech also participates annually with the University of Virginia for the Commonwealth Cup.
The team joined the ACC last July 1, 2004 and its president is Mr. Charles Steger. Currently having the third-longest bowl game run in the country, the Hokies have joined the postseason annually since 1993. Under head coach Frank Beamer, the team has been one of the best acts in the US for the last twenty years. Beamer is also one of the best coaches, ranking third to other distinguished coaches Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. The team's current associate head coach is Billy Hite.
The Hokies were also victorious in 5 conference championships, some of which include three in the Big East Conference, and twice in the last four Atlantic Coast Conference championships. However, in the 2000 Bowl Championship Series, they lost to conference rival Florida State.
Among the players from the Virgina Tech Team who have been selected to play for the National Football League are Bruce Smith (selected in 1985) and the star quarterback Michael Vick (selected by Atlanta in 2001). Other Virginia players are players include Corey Moore, Carroll Dale, Antonio Freeman, DeAngelo Hall, Kevin Jones and Don Strock.
In 1999, their quarterback, Michael Vick, led their team with 11-0 throughout the season. Incidentally, 1999 was also the greatest football season ever seen in Virginia tech football history. Michael Vick made a huge impact on Virginia Tech's history. Not only was he the star quarterback, but during his two-year period in the program, he has also contributed to increasing ticket sales, and media exposure throughout the whole state. Vick was a special football player indeed, because most of his games were televised, and in 2000, he became a household name when they played against Florida State University in the national championship game. Although they lost, he was the talk of the town due to the 322 yards of offense against the Seminoles? defense.
Recently, Virginia Tech's quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon had minor left ankle injuries during their game with Seminoles.
Virginia Tech's current roster comprise of: Sean Glennon, Kenny Lewis, Jr., Darren Evans, Andre Smith, and Ike Whitaker. They currently have two games lined up for the month of November, where they will compete with Duke on November 22, and Virginia on November 29, 2008. VT fans can root for their team on these dates by reserving seats to these games online.
