I've been listening to it for seven years now: the mindless insults, the unfounded statistics, the ignorant opinions, they've all become quite routine. I am, of course, referring to the statements made by those local and national about my favorite sports team of all the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. (Hey, just because the classes were big and the rooms were nasty doesn't mean I canıt support the team!)

Football is a very special thing to me. It's not just a game. It's not just an event. It's a season unto itself -- winter, spring, summer, and football. One of the main reasons football is so fun and exciting is the level that you yourself get to devote to the support of your favorite team. I know a great many people who scoff at the fans who proudly emblazon their bodies with school colors and poorly drawn mascots. I realize that this practice may look ridiculous to most, but these kids (and often times adults as well) pour their hearts into what most look at as a mere game. When you devote yourself to a team you get to experience their ups and downs as if they were your own. Sure, it isn't any fun to hang your head in shame after a defeat, but without defeat how could you celebrate victory? People should take sports seriously or not at all.

Beyond just liking football though, you have to commit yourself to a single team (fair-weather fans need not apply for my bowl party). For several reasons, the team of your choice should be the Hokies. First of all, they ARE the home team. I've loved my time here at RU, but that doesn't do anything to change the fact that thereıs no outlet for my gridiron lust. Many of you go to parties at VT, have friends at VT, or spend time shopping and eating in the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area. When tourists come in for Hokie football games, they stay at local hotels, spend money at local stores, and eat local food. The Hokies are as local as you can get. Anyone willing to claim the Wahoos from Charlottesville may promptly pack their bags and head north.

Furthermore, they're just plain fun to watch. "Beamerball" is something that isn't copied anywhere in the country. Every time the ball is in play the Hokies threaten to score. Whether it's the "Untouchables" (halfbacks Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs) breaking a long run, Defensive Back Willie Pyle intercepting a pass, or DeAngelo Hall returning a punt, there is a chance the scoreboard might change. Also, VT fans are, generally speaking, great people; you'll be in good company. The crowds that pack Lane Stadium are a lot of fun. Chanting, screaming, stomping, dancing, and shaking their keys during every defensive third down (because it's a "key play." Get it?), they're an enjoyable bunch.

At this point, Iım sure youıre saying to yourself, "Hey! This team is great! Is there any reason I shouldnıt like them?" Traditionally the answer would have involved the weak out-of-conference schedule the team invariably played. I'll be the first to admit that in the past, while it hasnıt meant they were a bad team, VT has had some cream puff schedules. This year is a different story. LSU? Number 14 when VT beat them, number 20 now. Marshall? Number 17 when they went down. Saturday afternoon, it was number 21 Texas A&M. Now, I know these aren't the most elite schools in the country, but they're good. I haven't seen a defense this year as stifling as the Aggies' "Wrecking Crew" D. Marshall's Byron Leftwich will probably be wearing a tie and jacket to New York as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and LSU won the SEC last year! Factor in the probability of Tech continuing to win throughout the season, setting up the likely number one vs. number three showdown with Miami on Dec. 7, and you've got a team that deserves to sit at the big kids' table.

As I finish this, I can't help but look down at my "Perfect Season" T-shirt from the 1999 season. I have a good feeling I'll be buying another come January. Love this team, and love them now. You don't want to look like a spring semester Johnny-come-lately when you're donning your "National Champions" sweatshirt.