BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech was letting UVA know they have the Hokies’ full support following a tragedy that left three UVA football players dead Sunday night.
“This is a reminder to me and all of us that life is precious and a challenge to love each other more,” Hokies head coach Brent Pry said during a conference.
Pry went on to say that it’s about more than football – the sport brings everyone together.
“Football is something that is important to all of us. It creates a brotherhood. We are family, and when one of us is hurting, we all hurt. I’ve hugged my own family, felt so close to our team through all of this – these last 24 hours – UVA was here for us in 2007 and we are here for them now. It’s bigger than football.”
The rivalry is set aside for a greater purpose. Social media is now being flooded with the hashtag “#HokiesForHoos,” a tag that could also be seen during the women’s basketball game on Monday night.
The idea came from @CoachBrooksVT for these shirts tonight. His training staff made them by hand in about four hours. Small gesture that means a lot in support of the @UVAFootball and the Charlottesville community. #HokiesforHoos pic.twitter.com/1upAlr1Aac
— Brooke Leonard (@abrookeleonard) November 14, 2022