Monday, August 27, 2007

To the Virginia Tech Community:

The kickoff of the 2007 football season is nearing, and like most of you, I anxiously await the start of a new season. With a veteran team returning, our expectations are high and I look forward to doing my part, both as an athletics director and a fan, to help this team fulfill those expectations.

It’s as a fan that I write this letter to you. As you all know, our university and our community endured an unspeakable and senseless tragedy this past April. Bright minds and bright futures were lost that day. Physical wounds are still healing and so, too, are the mental ones.

Despite what happened that cold, blustery morning, the hours, days and weeks afterward marked our university’s finest. Our students spoke so reasonably, thoughtfully, and eloquently about such a painful moment. Our campus leadership led strongly and proudly. And the support that flowed in from around the world was overwhelming.

Part of that world is the sports world, and the support from players, coaches, teams, organizations and athletics departments from around the country has been astounding. The sports world has grieved with us and also helped us heal. Those players and teams – both college and pro – have worn our hats, sewn our logo on their uniforms for certain games, and made contributions to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.

This upcoming academic year, we will be playing teams on the field and on the court that have supported us through a difficult time. It starts on Sept. 1st when we play East Carolina University to open the football season. The athletics department at ECU plans to contribute a check in the generous amount of $100,000 to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, which will be used to aid in the healing process.

Because of what transpired, people everywhere have been, and will be, cheering for the orange and maroon. As the games get ready to begin, I ask that you remember the kindness, generosity, and support by our non-conference and ACC brethren. I ask that you please not boo those players and teams. Instead, while cheering vigorously for the Hokies, I ask that you please respect the opposing players and teams during competitions, and at the end of those competitions, I ask that you applaud their efforts, win or lose. Please treat them with respect, for they certainly have shown us that trait the past several months.

We have a golden opportunity here as sports fans. People have seen how resilient we are as a university and a community. Now, let’s use athletics as one way to thank them. Let us not be remembered simply for the results on the field or the court, but also for the class, respect and graciousness we show off it.

Sincerely,
Jim Weaver
Director of Athletics

... and what a game it will be. I CANNOT WAIT.