Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 3 | January 2021

inside.hokiesports.com 9 But, jumping to negativity in any and all situations can bleed from sports to politics. From religion to family. From gender to race. The end result is what we’re seeing now. A numbness to what previously would have shocked us. An intolerance to opinions and ideas that we do not share. A gradual leaning towards negativity that over time becomes epidemic. We are there. And it’s killing this world. And it’s killing joy and compassion. Again, this is not to preach. I have my opinions, but you needn’t care what they are. They are not yours. You have your own. We probably agree on some things. And we absolutely don’t on others. And that’s okay. But one thing I know we agree on is this: we all want Virginia Tech to be successful in everything that it does. We want it to be known as the finest institution in the land. Whether that is a return to a glorious past, or a purpose driven push to the future. We certainly don’t agree all the time on how to get there. We don’t even necessarily agree on what success should be defined by. And again, that is perfectly fine. But here’s one thing I must insist on. To truly be a Hokie, and no it’s not my place to define what that is, but I will anyway. To truly be a Hokie you must accept people of all races, religions, genders and beliefs. Particularly if they differ from your own. It sounds simple. It’s clearly not. And it’s not an indictment of Virginia Tech. Because what’s the refrain? We’re not as bad as that fanbase at such and such school. I accept all people and that’s all that I can do. No. Buzz Williams resurrected Virginia Tech basketball. That I know to be true. I also know he got crushed on social media when the Hokies didn’t win. And when they did win, he would still get crushed for sweating too much or for his outfit. Or worse yet his physique. Which I always found ironic, because nobody in coaching trained in the weight room as hard as that guy. It didn’t seem to bother him. It bothered me. Here’s another thing I know to be true. Justin Fuente is a great man. He is a great man that suffers no fools. As in, he doesn’t tolerate bad people or ignorant behavior. Sometimes that makes him less than popular. One day he may not be the football coach at Virginia Tech, and, on that day, he will still be a great man. However, if you search his name on social media, particularly during a game, the comments will astonish you. The vitriol will make you recoil. Football opinions. Fine. Character assassination. No. Again, not an indictment on Virginia Tech or its great fans. Who I love. And believe me, the great ones greatly outnumber the bad ones. Problem is, the great ones don’t speak up as often or as fervently as the bad ones. It’s called the vocal minority for a reason. Yet, we aren’t as bad as other fanbases. That is true. But here is what I propose. We acknowledge that the world around us is not as we would like. Negativity abounds and many of us our sick and tired of being sick and tired. Alone there is little we can do to turn the tide. But together we are Hokie Nation and we are powerful. Powerful and capable of shaping the message of positivity, compassion and acceptance. So, here is my challenge to you. When we speak, let it be words of optimism. When we tweet, let’s make it messages of encouragement. When we hit the ’Gram, let us share pictures of joy and fellowship. When we are identified as Hokies, let people say they are different than every other fanbase. They are the positive ones. Trust me, the negativity will survive in the world. It doesn’t need our help. And if you join me in this endeavor, use the #HokieHope. I think you will be amazed at the impact. And maybe, just maybe, it will make dark times in our world a whole lot brighter in our small corner of it. Be good to each other Hokies, and Happy New Year! Kitty Newton Photo KitKatNewt1@gmail.com “The Farmhouse... Eating Great Food here for over 30 Years.” – Coach Frank Beamer thefarmhousechristiansburg.com 285 Ridinger Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073 • (540) 251-7600 Prime Rib • Steaks • Seafood • Outdoor Courtyard • Private Dining • Weekend Brunch