Talking NFL

Yesterday’s tragedy at Virginia Tech was a completely senseless act of violence.  One that leaves people who are hundreds of miles away feeling helpless and angry.  For those who work or are enrolled at the school, it’s a brutal reminder that horrific acts like this can happen anywhere at anytime.  Even Blacksburg, Virginia, which seems impossible to someone like me who has been there before…

About 12 years ago, I got a job working as an Education and Leadership Consultant for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (and yes, there is such a job, and it was a glorious one at that).  For two years, I traveled to over 40 different SAE chapters (mostly in the Mid-Atlantic).  During each visit, I gave advice to fraternity brothers on rushing prospective members, pledge education, risk management, and finances (and I may have had a beer or two along the way…).

Without a doubt, Virginia Tech was one of my favorite places to visit.  Part of it was because of the natural beauty of the campus, located in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.  Another part was the quiet small town feel, despite having such a large & prestigious university square in the middle of it (think Northwestern in South Park).

Being a football fan, it was also great to watch the Hokies football program as it emerged as a national power under Coach Frank Beamer.  I was there to witness their historic 13-7 victory over Miami in ‘95, the first time they had ever beaten the Hurricanes (they would go on to win their first Big East Championship that year).  I watched the students pour into the stadium in a sea of joy and tear down the goal posts; much to the chagrin of the campus police. It’s one of my most vivid memories of Virginia Tech.

But what I remember most about Virginia Tech are the people.

From Dr. Tom Goodale, the former Vice President for Student Affairs, to the SAE chapter president, I’ve never met more accommodating or more gracious hosts.  They had tremendous pride in their school and their fraternity, and went out of their way to show me everything their town had to offer.  From Burruss Hall to Sharkey’s.  I tailgated with them, helped with a community service street clean-up, and watched Super Bowl 29 with them (well, up until the 49ers’ 5th touchdown; then I just drank with them).  Never once was I made to feel like an outsider.

I feel like one now, and it’s a sad, frustrating feeling.  Knowing that such good people are going through such pain, and for what?  Why?

Among those suffering is one of 451 Press’s own.  1P Start writer Kezins lost a good friend yesterday, and there’s no question that he’s hurting now.  Please stop on by & let him know you’re thinking of him if you have a chance.

I don’t really have much else to say.  Better men than me will write more eloquently about this day and those we lost.  Just know that there are some very good people down in Blacksburg, and the suffering they are experiencing now simply isn’t fair.  Our hearts go out to all of you after this terrible tragedy.  Stay strong, Hokies.