Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 12 No. 3 | January 2020

Published by the Virginia Tech Athletics Department • Inside Hokie Sports (ISSN 8750-9148, periodical postage paid at Blacksburg, VA 24060 and additional mailing offices) covers Virginia Tech athletics and is published six times annually. The publisher is the Virginia Tech Athletics Department, 21 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $37.95 for one year (six issues) and $69.95 for two years. Mail all subscription inquiries, renewals, address changes, written inquiries and complaints to Inside Hokie Sports, Jamerson Athletic Center, Virginia Tech, 21 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061 or call (540) 231-6726. Inside Hokie Sports assumes no responsibility for companies and persons who advertise in this publication. Reproduction of contents in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publisher does not guarantee accuracy of information contained in any advertisement. ATTN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Inside Hokie Sports, P.O. Box 11101, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-1101. Printed by Worth Higgins & Associates of Richmond, Virginia c on tents inside.hokiesports.com Jimmy Robertson Dave Knachel Editor Photographer John Sours Contributors Designer Shelbylynn Adair—Hokie Club Christopher Fair—Virginia Tech Sports Properties *To advertise with Virginia Tech athletics or Inside Hokie Sports, contact Kyler Pilling at Virginia Tech Sports Properties – 540-418-6307 January 2020 Vol. 12, No. 3 2 Hokie Club News 7 News and Notes 9 From the Editor’s Desk 10 Behind the Mic—Jon Laaser Putting 2019 in the past and looking forward to a new year 12 IHS Extra—Tackling Mental Health Challenges A group of Tech student-athletes is having discussions on mental health issues 14 Top Moments of the Decade Looking back at some of the greatest moments in Tech Athletics 16 Belk Bowl Recap Deshawn McClease has a career day, but late Kentucky score leaves Hokies heartbroken 18 IHS Extra—Foster Leaves a Legacy at Tech Former defensive coordinator was instru- mental in making Tech a national brand 26 Men’s Basketball Spotlight—Wabissa Bede Tech’s point guard is the leader of a program transitioning to a new coach 30 Women’s Basketball Spotlight—Taja Cole Graduate transfer has the Hokies looking good so far in 2019-20 34 Monogram Club 36 Wrestling Spotlight—David McFadden Tech wrestler wants to become the program’s next national champion 42 Track and Field Preview Both squads feature talent and are ready for the ACC’s top challengers 26 18 12 14 16 22 30 40 42 36