Dear Sir,
I am e-mailing you amidst this tragic time with an opinion concerning the cancellation of the spring football game scheduled for this weekend. I realize that these horrific events have led to many cancellations and the shut down of the entire university. However, I feel that canceling the spring game is unnecessary. Every speaker has been saying how this Hokie “community” is so close and loyal to this university and that we will surely mourn the losses but must eventually begin to move forward.
This spring game will further bring this community together. Virginia Tech is associated most often with football. Our fan base, this “community” everyone keeps describing, is the best in the country and loves to watch and cheer on the Hokies in sport. Did you witness the response to Nikki Giovanni’s speech in Cassell earlier today? “Lets Go Hokies” broke out amongst the mourning crowd after she was finished with her inspiring speech. This “community” needs this game to begin the healing process. Should students go back into classrooms, which currently represent unsafe places, as their first step to getting back on track with their lives? Or should they join 65,000 plus other Hokies in participating in one of Virginia Tech’s finest traditions in Lane Stadium? This scenario has been played out before.
After the events of 9/11, the NFL was concerned with whether or not to continue playing games. They decided to take a chance and go ahead with the scheduled games and the reaction from the United States was that of overwhelming support. I feel that this will be the same reaction with this spring game. There is no question of disrespect here. Those who lost their lives this week will forever be remembered and will always be in the hearts of the entire Hokie Nation, there is no doubt about that. This game must be played to initiate this healing process. Hokie chants echoed in Cassell today and on the Drillfield earlier this evening. I beg you to rethink the hastiness of this decision. If anything at all, let the players that wish to participate play, and those that do not wish to participate sit out with no penalty. Put down the clipboards and just play a football game. The Hokie “community” just needs to see those maroon and white jerseys on the field. Again, I urge you to rethink your decision. Thank you for your time.
Proud member of the Hokie Nation,
Justus DiPeppe
justusd@vt.edu
