Author: benanderson321

Dancing the night away since 1934

Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – RING DANCE 2019: On March 30, Commonwealth Ballroom at Squires Student Center hosted the 2019 Ring Dance. Photo: Ben Anderson.

by Ben Anderson–

On March 30, Virginia Tech’s class of 2020 filed into Squires Student Center and made their way to the Commonwealth Ballroom for the 2019 Ring Dance, a tradition stretching back to 1934.

According to the Virginia Tech Alumni website, the event started in 1934 by members of the Corps of Cadets, and, aside from a number of years during World War II, the event has happened every year since.  The ceremony is supposed to be a celebration and representation of the junior class transitioning into their senior year at Virginia Tech.

Many of the traditions from that first dance carry on today, such as dates wearing each others rings around their wrist with ribbon, according to Virginia Tech’s history page on its website.

While traditions live on, some have had to change over the years, explains Laura Wedin, Associate Director of Student and Young Alumni Engagement at Virginia Tech.  One example of these changes, was the ending of freshmen cadets releasing a live pig at the dance.

Some traditions have changed, but main stays such as the sabre arch and ring figure still hold strong today.  “It’s that tradition and continuity that I think makes Virginia Tech Virginia Tech,” said Wedin on why this event is so special to the school.

Each year the celebration attempts to represent that class, both on the ring at the dance.  “Tech has been redesigning a new ring each year, including different elements,” Wedin explained.  This years ring features images of Lane Stadium, Gobblerfest, and the popular horse on a treadmill video.

Kate Avdellas, a senior at Virginia Tech, worked on the class of 2019’s ring committee.  Looking back at her own ring dance, she stated, “it’s that moment when you’re like, wow, I’ve been here for three years.  I only have one left, and it’s a really great night to reflect on your time at Virginia Tech.”  She went on to say how proud she was to be a part of a tradition that has stayed strong for so many years.

For many students, the latter half of their college careers can seem daunting and intimidating as they look only to the future and what life after college will be like.  Ring Dance is an opportunity for these students to slow down and enjoy the moment, while reminiscing on the times they have had at Virginia Tech.  For over eighty years, students have participated in this historic event and continue be for years to come.

 

img_0609
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – THE FRONT DOORS: Ring Dance was held in Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0606
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – PYLON PHOTOS: Students lined up to take pictures at Virginia Tech’s Pylons. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0612
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – 2020 RING: This year’s ring features Lane Stadium, Skipper Cannon, and more. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0611
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – 2020 RING 2: The 2020 class ring also features Burruss Hall and the Virginia Tech Pylons. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0614
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – TIME OF OUR LIVES: The class of 2020 was celebrated by multiple works of art featuring their graduation year. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0613
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – CLASS OF 2020: Roses make up the student-designed class of 2020 logo. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0608
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – DELIVERY TIME: Virginia Tech offered food for students at the dance. Photo: Ben Anderson.
img_0616
Blacksburg, Va., March 30 – ALMOST GO TIME: The floor is almost set for students to enter for Ring Dance 2019. Photo: Ben Anderson.

 

 

Promising recruiting class gives Hokies hope for future

Blacksburg, Va., Feb. 8 – Merryman Athletic Center: All of the Virginia Tech football offices can be found in the Merryman Athletic Center, where visitors are welcomed by the school’s logo at the main entrance. Photo: Ben Anderson

by Ben Anderson–

On Feb. 6, high school seniors across the nation signed their letters of intent, pledging their allegiance to the universities where they will be spending the next chapter of their lives.

Virginia Tech will welcome 20 freshmen next year from the 2019 recruiting class.  According to 247Sports, the Hokies’ 2019 recruiting class ranks 26th nationally and third in the ACC with an average player rating of .8739.

Maybe the most impressive position group coming in for the Hokies is haul of offensive linemen.  Losing three starters on the line, this position group needed to refill depth and talent.  Offensive line coach, Vance Vice, got to work this offseason and will welcome four freshmen and one transfer to the offensive line room next fall.

According to ESPN, offensive guard, Doug Nestor, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State last Wednesday, is ranked the 72nd best recruit in the class of 2019.  Nestor, along side Coastal Carolina transfer, Brock Hoffman, could see playing time for the Hokies as early has next fall.

After the transfer of multiple offensive weapons this offseason, Jaden Payoute and Keshawn King will be competing for playing time as soon as they step on campus.  Rivals.com has Payoute listed in the top 40 wide receivers in the nation and King as the 23rd best running back.

 247Sports quoted head coach Justin Fuente on last season saying, “We were awfully short-handed out there. Awfully short-handed. We can’t be that short-handed again next year.”  With these new recruits committed to Virginia Tech, Fuente will look to add depth and stability to his roster.

Blacksburg, Va., Feb. 8 – Football Recruiting Employee: Zaire Turner works as a recruiting assistant for the Virginia Tech Football Program. Photo: Ben Anderson
Blacksburg, Va., Feb. 8 –Student Recruiting Assistant: Hannah Richards volunteers as a student recruiting assistant for the Virginia Tech Football Program. Photo: Ben Anderson