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February 9, 2021
COVID-19 ISN’T THE ONLY THING IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY...
PAGE 2 February 9, 2021
opinions collegiatetimes.com
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Regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day should be full of love and appreciation
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With Feb. 14 approaching, it is important to take the time to appreciate oneself and the small things in life, especially this year. eeting people in person is now a health risk, so we turn to dating apps to satisfy our natural hankering for human interaction. Some dating apps have tried to adapt to the times by giving users the option to change their settings to “socially distanced dates with masks only.” It is important that equally cautious individuals can get together right now if they choose to do so, but the truth is that regardless of how creative these apps get, most people have found that online dating right now is more trouble than it’s worth. We now have to confront the unfortunate reality that we can never be certain of how safe somebody has been. Regardless of how sincere somebody might seem in their assurances that they’ve remained distanced and masked, it can be hard to trust somebody we’ve never met before in person. So, we try to accept that meeting new people is not really in the cards for us as long as this virus continues to ravage our country and world. This means that most single people remain single. You’ve maybe come to terms with this fact, or you may be actively working to rectify it, especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. Either way, we are here to tell you what we hope you already know: being single is amazing and important. This is a fact that we tend to dismiss. As we socially distance and engage only with our closest friends and family (if we’re lucky), we are lonelier than we’ve ever been, so we naturally crave a romantic partner who can remedy the issue. However, it is generally unwise to engage in new relationships if we are not at peace with ourselves or our
circumstances, and most of us have not made peace with our current reality. So, we should use this time to strengthen the relationships we have with ourselves — not jump into something romantic out of boredom and frustration. Being single is an opportunity for constant personal betterment — to get involved in your local community, to reach out to friends and to search for new hobbies. As a nation, we’ve used our ample free time to familiarize ourselves with the joys of baking, exercising and gaming. Learning new skills and engaging in new activities is important for preserving our mental health, particularly now when our sense of purpose can often elude us. The idea is to have a strong enough mind that when someone does come along with romantic potential, our selfworth is not contingent upon anything that this person can offer us. Once we have learned to appreciate ourselves and the small joys in life, we can enter new partnerships with a positive mindset. This will not only prepare us for the highs and lows of relationships, but also the added struggles of dating during a pandemic. Not only has the pandemic left single people without much choice but to remain single — it has also kept some non-single people apart. Long-distance couples can no longer safely travel to see one another, couples attending the same school may be separated as one decides to stay on campus and another decides to live at home to save on rent; and generally, there are plenty of obstacles to dating now that didn’t exist before the pandemic. Then there are the lucky ones who entered
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the pandemic single, but who have managed to somehow settle down with someone despite all odds. Being on campus together for the past year while attempting to adapt to the myriad of new COVID-19 restrictions has brought people together in novel, intimate ways. During pre-pandemic life, we had the option to go out every weekend for dinner, movies and parties. While those things were incontestably fun, it is now a good time to get comfortable with our significant others in a less conventional setting. This way we can stay safe, but also fortify the bond we share with our loved ones in less extravagant, but more comfortable and intimate ways. This year especially, Valentine’s Day will likely cause us to feel a myriad of complex emotions. Along with the classic anxieties and insecurities brought on by the day, we are also dealing with feelings of loneliness incurred by a situation completely outside of our control. Regardless of whether you are single or delightfully taken, we hope you consider this: you are beyond worthy of romance, but in no way is it necessary
for fulfillment. Platonic love and self-love can sustain you for life, so use this coming Valentine’s Day to reflect and to treat yourself and the special people in your life with the utmost affection, because we all deserve a little extra love right now.
ABBY DURRER, JULIANNE JOYCE AND DONYA MOMENIAN • opinions editorial board
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news
February 9, 2021 PAGE 3
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I LOVE YOU
I LOVE YOU
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Local tea room implements pandemic-safe geodesic domes after receiving county grant Tea and Jam Cafe owner says the domes have helped business tremendously in an ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. BEN WALLS news editor
Tea and Jam Cafe, a North Main Street tea room, all-natural restaurant and bakery, is giving Valentine’s Day couples an unique opportunity to dine within one of its three outdoor heated geodesic domes. “(The domes have) been a real advantage,” owner Jack Howard said. “It’s helped business tremendously — we had to start doing reservations.” With the help of a kit, Howard built the domes in late October and early November after receiving a Montgomery County dining expansion grant, a break funded by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and intended for restaurants to operate safely during the pandemic and finance restaurant losses due to extended closings. As the pandemic continues to affect restaurants, Tea and Jam has also adapted to contactless ordering, where customers can view Tea and Jam’s menu and order from their phones. Internet bandwidth has been improved as well so customers can sit outside and have an internet connection. With use of the domes and contactless ordering, couples have a choice to stay outside throughout their visit, a recommendation the Centers for Disease Control published in 2020. Couples also have a
choice to order to-go with Tea and Jam’s reusable plastic containers. “Really, (the dome’s) a chill environment,” said Howard, who also mentioned similar domes mainly exist in large cities, not smaller ones. “People (have come) to relax and escape.” According to Howard, Tea and Jam has mainly served students as a place to study since its opening in September 2018, but Howard encourages couples to experience the one-of-a-kind geodesic domes and take advantage of the tea room’s all-repurposed and environmentally sustainable concept. “I wouldn’t say we’re (out of the pandemic), yet, but we’re getting there,”
Howard said. “(The domes) have given us a better environment — once people come in and see it, and see our vibe, people will appreciate what we’re trying to do; we try to be as natural as possible.”
@__benjaminw
Leesburg photographer challenges the Virginia Values Act in federal court Defendant Attorney General Mark Herring supports protections, citing the plaintiff’s suit as an attack on LGBTQ+ rights. BEN WALLS news editor
After the Virginia Values Act was signed into law and gave specific protections to LGBTQ community members in April 2020, Leesburg photographer Bob Updegrove has decided to file suit in federal court against Attorney General Mark Herring, who will defend the bill. The Arizona-based advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) represents Updegrove, who identifies as a Christian and believes he may only celebrate marriage ceremonies between one woman and one man if he wishes. Faith-based communities and advocacies are included in the legislation, in which LGBTQ Virginians may not be discriminated against in matters of housing, employment, public spaces and credit applications. “All Americans should be free to live and work according to their beliefs without fear of being punished by the
government, that applies to people of faith and something guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Denise Harle, who serves as senior counsel for ADF. “Government hostility towards people of faith is unconstitutional, and it has no place in our society. Tolerance and respect for good faith, differences of opinion, is essential to our diverse society, and it’s part of the ideals that America was founded upon.” Harle quoted Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru as legal precedent and anticipated a victory for that reason. “The faith of many Americans inspires them to act for the good of their neighbors and also requires them to abide by its teachings,” Harle said in a September statement when the suit was filed. “...Virginia’s new law forces these ministries to abandon and adjust their convictions or pay crippling fines — in direct violation of the Virginia
Constitution and other state laws.” Updegrove v. Herring complaints were heard in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division on Jan. 15. ADF claims the Virginia Values Act goes against Virginia Code section 2. 2-39 0 4( B), a nond iscr i m i nat ion clause of public accommodation, and Updegrove, as a photographer and subsequently an artist, “should be free to choose the messages (Updegrove promotes.)” Arguing his right to free exe r c is e, Up d eg r ove’s c ompla i nt against Herring also says that the Commonwealth of Virginia “seeks to regulate Bob’s views — that marriage should be between a man and a woman — out of existence.” Her r ing publicly suppor ted the Virginia Values Act in his opposition saying, “The Virginia General Assembly chose to take affirmative steps to guard against discrimination in the public marketplace, aiming to foster a
more inclusive Commonwealth free from the sort of unequal treatment that has long infected public life,” Herring said. “That choice should be respected, (Updegrove’s) complaint should be dismissed, and the motion for a preliminary injunction should be denied.” A previous statement provided by Herring’s press secretary, Charlotte Gomer, also stressed Herring’s support of the LGBTQ equality bill. “Attorney General Herring believes that every Virginian has the right to be safe and free from discrimination no matter what they look like, where they come from or who they love,” Gomer said. “LGBT Virginians are finally protected from housing and employment discrimination under Virginia law and Attorney General Herring looks forward to defending the Virginia Values Act in court against these attacks.” @__benjaminw
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February 9, 2021 PAGE 5
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VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL SECTION
How to set the mood on Zoom with your socially distanced sweetheart From using the reactions and making the most out of your microphone, this will surely be a Valentine’s Day to remember.
ABBIGALE EVANS copy editor & assistant managing editor
Nervous about meeting your quarantine sweetheart because the only thing he drops more than his boxers is his mask? No worries, our trusty old wingman Zoom is here to help. If you have a hot guy on Tinder from Apple Beta Pi, be sure to follow these tips. Turn off all of the lights in your room. If you’re worried about your date finding you attractive or not — why take the risk? Just sit in a completely dark room. If you
can’t achieve the sultry aura of the void, just turn your camera off. Nothing is sexier than a black screen. It’s what keeps your professors coming back every time! If your date asks if you can turn a light or your camera on, just tell them you’re not wearing anything. It adds to the mystery. If they’re really persistent, just turn your camera or light off and on really quickly and repetitively to give them the strobe effect of a sexy rave — unless they have epilepsy. Get up close and personal with the microphone. The only thing sexier than a black screen
— a black screen and heavy breathing. You have to be careful to get the right kind of date, preferably a closested serial killer or someone who really loved the PACER test, in order to really wow them with this one-ina-million trick. Your mouth-to-microphone ratio will simulate what a hot and heavy moment might be like for you and your date, so you definitely need to get as close to the microphone as possible on your computer or phone. In fact, if you’re Zooming on your phone, just put it inside your mouth to simulate a nice smooch. Bad wifi connection makes for a good heart-to-heart connection Ensure that you have the WiFi connection of a prison inmate on Alcatraz. If you’re in the quarantine dorms — it’s basically the same thing! The pinnacle of hotness is when your Zoom screen glitches and it draws out your words in a really weird electronic moan. This is perfect if your date is into anything sci-fi or EDM. If the sexual tension between you and the “leave meeting” button becomes more than the sexual tension between you and Brad or Jessica, just click it — especially if your date is mid-sentence. This will make them want more of you — because surely it just must’ve been your “bad connection” that made the Zoom call drop. Breakout Rooms If you’re meeting with multiple suitors, be sure to create personal breakout rooms for each one so you can cycle through them throughout the night. Zoom really lessens the physical fatigue of speed dating. No more walking from table to table, and if you’re not a fan of the way your date’s face is blurred in their Zoom screen, just cycle on through to the next candidate. If they start to talk to each other in a private chat, they’re definitely going to be talking about how sexy you are.
COURTESY OF DREAMSTIME
Reaction Emoji Pillow Talk On the chance that you are self-conscious about your voice, try only using Zoom’s
reaction emojis to communicate. If your date says something really sexy, make sure to only respond with the clapping hands so they know you’re really feeling it. Another cool feature of Zoom is that you can rearrange the screens. Make sure your partner knows who’s on top from the get-go by arranging your screen on top of theirs (or on the bottom if you’re more the submissive type). Alternatively, just put your screen in front of theirs entirely so you can just stare at your own sexy face — everyone knows who you’re really looking at on all those meetings. With all these tips, you’re sure to be Zooming on to a real date in no time. In reality, be safe this Valentine’s Day and have a COVID-19-friendly night in with your special someone (who is hopefully not a serial killer).
XOXO @CollegiateTimes
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Valentine’s Day gift ideas to give to your partner from a COVID-19-friendly distance Make your partner feel the love from afar, whether you’re long-distance or six feet apart.
PEYTON MANFRE lifestyles staff writer
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly something to consider when planning your and your loved one’s special day. The typical date night at a restaurant may not work this year, as social distancing and mask wearing are heavily encouraged. While you may feel as though there is no way to celebrate you and your S.O.’s love, have no fear — there are certainly ways to wow your partner from afar. Is your partner a fan of music? Customize a playlist for them. You can even get creative by strategically ordering the songs so that
the first letter of each one writes out a special message. Consider playing with the typical V-Day slogans like “Be my valentine” — you can replace it with “Be my Hokie” to add some school spirit to your romance. If your playlist is on Spotify, creating custom cover art is another way to personalize this gift and make it something special. If your S.O. is more of a foodie, consider ordering takeout to be delivered to his or her place. Campus Cookies is offering special Valentine’s Day treats that are sure to satisfy your partner’s sweet tooth. Still have dining plan money burning a hole in your pocket? Pick up coffee and a donut in the shape of a heart from Dunkin’ in Owens and leave it outside your partner’s door with a note.
Laying low this February? Here are four movies for singles on Valentine’s Day These movies will makes you realize you don’t need a partner to make you happy; all you need is a strong WiFi connection and popcorn. MOLLY DYE lifestyles staff writer
Does it ever bother you how most of the movies you scroll through on Netflix are built around a sappy love story? We all love a good romance from time to time, but it’s refreshing to find a plot that focuses on something else — especially for those of us going solo this month. With that being said, kick back with some friends this Valentine’s Day and try out some of these wholesome flicks that will have you celebrating being single. “Legally Blonde” Whether you’ve seen it before or not, “Legally Blonde” always leaves you with a warm feeling of empowerment and satisfaction. The plot follows Elle Woods, a peppy Californian fashion student who avenges her pretentious ex in the best way — by becoming more successful than him. This movie will inspire you to focus on personal growth and independence while showing that achieving your wildest dreams is possible with hard work and determination, even with a pink scented resume.
“Bend it Like Beckham” Here’s another classic early 2000’s comedy that emphasizes following your personal goals while highlighting the value of friendship. Jess is a teenager from London with a passion for soccer but struggles to play professionally due to her family’s apprehensions. Jules, a player on a local soccer team, discovers Jess’ skills and pushes her to try out for the team. The movie follows Jess’ and Jules’ growing friendship as they navigate their professional soccer careers. “Bend it Like Beckham” is the perfect feel-good movie to watch with your friends this Valentine’s Day and remind you that friends always come first. “Into the Wild” “Into the Wild” follows the true story of a young man who abandons his promising future to embark on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness. Chris McCandless, going by “Alexander Supertramp” on his trek, gives up his entire savings and hikes across North America, meeting people from all walks of life. The film offers a thought-provoking story that ponders self-exploration and our
Have a date on Zoom. Make the classic dinner date night COVID-19-friendly by cooking together over a video call. You can even try recreating classic VT dining meals like Owen’s chicken parm. Make it classy and dress up like you’re going out or make it casual and chill in your pajamas — one perk about Zoom is that it doesn’t require you to look socially acceptable, so use this to your advantage and have a super chill date night if that’s what your heart desires. Flowers and chocolate are most definitely still an option. Keeping your distance doesn’t mean you can’t personally deliver this Valentine’s classic. Go to Kroger and scope out the best bouquets and leave one outside your partner’s door with chocolate
and a note. Bonus points if you find a teddy bear too. Get quirky and make a music video set to a cheesy love song and send it to your loved one. Your favorite VT locations like the Duck Pond, Burruss Hall and the Pylons are sure to make great backdrops. This year is certainly different, but with a little innovation, it’s still possible to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the classics. Stay safe and express your love! Happy Valentine’s!
relationship with nature, featuring stunning scenery from across the country. “Into the Wild” is a great film that will make you question your self-journey and stick with you forever. “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” This movie is the ultimate friendship tale that will make you appreciate the bonds between your friend group more than anything. “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” follows four best friends who go off on their own trips over the summer for the first time. To stay connected, they send each other the same pair of jeans throughout the summer that magically fit all of them. As they each go on their own adventures, the
story reminds us that even as partners come and go, your closest friends will always be there to make life the best it can be. It’s another heartwarming story that you’ll love to watch with a few friends on Valentine’s Day. Though Valentine’s Day can be a great time to celebrate a partner, it’s also a great day to celebrate other things you love about life — passions, friendships and, of course, yourself. Don’t forget to check out some of these great films this Sunday that celebrate single life.
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COURTESY OF GLOBE PHOTOS Reese Witherspoon, right, and Linda Cardellini starred in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picturest; Legally Blonde; The third installment is set to be released in 2022. (Globe Photos/Zuma Press/TNS)
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February 9, 2021 PAGE 7
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‘Cry me a river’: The best places to sob on campus Feeling down because you’re single? Visit these cathartic places to cry.
OLIVIA FERRARE lifestyles staff writer
Valentine’s Day, or Singles Awareness Day, may not be a reason to celebrate for all. Every year, it brings with it an impending doom to all “talking stages,” “situationships” and even some new relationships. Single people in Blacksburg need a good place to escape the roses, candy hearts and unnecessarily large teddy bears. While some lucky couples will be enjoying cute Blacksburg date spots, such as a sunrise hike on Bald Knob, an ice cream cone at Sugar Magnolia or splitting Gillie’s banana walnut French toast, others might need a more comforting spot to express their emotions in peace. Especially with inches of snow on the ground and frigid temperatures, a warm building and clean bathroom are the perfect storm to let a good cry out. For comfortable, on-campus study spots that double as private nooks away from the outside world, Newman Library and Major Williams Hall both offer many options. Newman Library gets a special shoutout, as the first floor is usually empty, but it holds comfy couches, lots of seating and an impeccably clean bathroom that looks like it was designed to be in a Ritz-Carlton. The fourth floor has some booths and private study areas, but the noisier atmosphere might pose an issue for some. Remember you have to reserve a spot well in advance, so saving the tears for a more convenient
time might be necessary. Major Williams Hall has secluded booths and couches in its lobby, and there are a couple desks and classrooms on higher floors where windows look out onto Lane Hall. For a study break that is a little more public, crying into a plate of 1872 Fire Grill’s chicken and waffles in a circle booth seems like the perfect lunch treat leading up to Valentine’s Day (as the dish is only available on Fridays). Dolci’s crepes are also perfect for a sweet tooth, and they are incredibly portable if need be. Every dining hall has certain seating areas that better lend themselves to tuning out the rest of the world and curating the ultimate “in my bag” playlist, but it’s personal preference at this point. On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, some might find it more comforting to work on their revenge body while grieving their singleness. McComas Gym provides hundreds of weights and machines, and their playlist is high-tempo enough to encourage at least some bodily movement. Crying in the lap pool is allowed, and the locker rooms are clean and spacious to dry off in. Warm up in the humid pool area, as taking a dip will make one forget about any trouble on land (just be warned: tears might fog up your goggles). However, make sure to schedule your meltdown at least four days in advance, as the gym bros have been nothing but vigilant in swiping up gym spots recently. If you’re unlucky and can’t get into the gym (like the rest of us), try a
sports
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES The fourth floor private group study rooms, Newman Library, Oct. 6, 2018.
nice, chilly walk around the Duck Pond. However, it is also the number one date spot on campus, so be sure to avoid any general couple-y happiness — hiding in the bushes might be a viable option. In all seriousness, make sure to recognize both connotations of Feb. 14. Whether it be reaching out to your #single friends and celebrating those relationships or spending time with those you haven’t seen in a while, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to demonstrate the true value of love no matter what. If reading this article made you tear up (or want someone to talk to), check out
the Cook Counseling Center (and pet the therapy dogs!) or the Women’s Center for confidential and helpful resources. This holiday should be a reason to cherish what one has, not to grieve what one does not.
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Hokie heartbreaking sports moments of the year Some swept us off our feet, others broke our hearts; relive the best and worst Hokie sports moments of 2020-21. COLLEGIATE TIMES SPORTS staff writers & editors
The emotional roller coaster that is sports fandom is a time-honored tradition. It can bring out some of the greatest passion and excitement or some of the greatest heartbreaks. The past year was filled with both for Hokie fans; these are just a few. Amber Williams Loved: Beating UVA in Basketball
Any time the Hokies beat the Cavaliers is a wonderful moment, but the recent basketball game on Jan. 30 was exciting to watch. It looked as though the Hokies would fall to UVA heading into halftime, but thanks to Keva Aluma, Tech turned it around and secured the win, 65-51. Broke my heart: Hendon Hooker leaves the program In 2018, Hendon Hooker saw his first action as a Hokie, but his collegiate career
took off in 2019 in which he competed in 11 games, winning six straight games as the starting quarterback. Losing Hooker was a difficult loss for the Hokies and the impact will be felt next season on the field. Devin Shepard Loved: Khalil Herbert goes off for 358 total yards against Duke Herbert, a transfer from Kansas, became the bellcow for the Hokie offense with his
blend of speed, balance and explosiveness in the open field. His best game of the season came against Duke, rushing for 208 yards and two touchdowns and going for 150 yards as a kick returner. The graduate student went on to rush for the ninth most yards ever by a Virginia Tech running back and earn himself a third-team All-ACC selection. Broke my heart: Quincy Patterson
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I’ve been one of the biggest proponents of former Elite 11 quarterback Quincy Patterson. Unfortunately, Patterson was never given much playing time and just couldn’t find a way onto the field in his three years with the program. In December, Patterson announced that he would be transferring to North Dakota State and continuing his football career there. Katie Smith Loved: Beating UVA in Football After the end of a 15-year winning streak in 2019, the Hokies came back in 2020 with a strong performance, beating the Cavaliers 33-15. With the help of strong players, including running back Khalil Herbert and quarterback Braxton Burmeister, the Hokies were able to take back the Commonwealth Cup. Broke my Heart: Hokies end longest active bowl streak After appearing in 27 consecutive bowl games from 1993-2019, the Hokies held the title for the longest active streak of bowl game appearances. This streak sadly came to end in 2020 when it was decided the team would not be competing in any post-season competition after a season filled with uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Steven Rowen Loved: Beating UNC in basketball in double overtime Facing off against the Tar Heels in basketball always seems like a tall order, no matter the situation. Both teams were competitive throughout and this game proved to be a nail-biter. In the final moments of the second overtime, Tyrece Radford made a game-winning layup, giving the Hokies a hard-fought 79-77 victory. Broke my heart: Losing to Liberty in football It was a back-and-forth contest which featured a standout performance from Hendon Hooker, who logged 373 total yards with four touchdowns and led a perfect drive down the field in the final minutes to tie the game. With eight seconds left in regulation, Liberty lined up to attempt a 59-yard field goal and it looked like the game would likely go into overtime. Instead, the kick was blocked by Virginia Tech and returned for a touchdown. We were all crushed when the play was called back due to a timeout called by coach Justin Fuente in an attempt to ice the kicker. Glen Rorie Loved: Jacory Patterson winning the
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Defensive coordinator Bud Foster looks on after a heartbreaking loss against UVA, Nov. 29 2019.
men’s 400m dash at the ACC Indoor Championships I unknowingly was graced with the opportunity to see one of the best sprinters in the country last year in Virginia Tech’s own Jacory Patterson. Patterson’s speed is unreal and I never saw anybody that fast in my racing days. To watch him dominate and run a 45.66 400m dash and take home gold on such a large stage was a great feeling and great sight as a fan of the sport and as a Hokie. Broke my heart: the loss against UVA in basketball The game was fairly close most of the time and it seemed like the teams were going to go into OT, which would have been exciting, but that was ruined for me and the other fans as an UVA player drained a last second three pointer. The game ended 53-56. Sitting there live, it absolutely sunk my heart. Thankfully we beat UVA this season. Ridge Wilson Loved: Beating Villanova in basketball Considering that the game was a lastminute addition, nothing made me feel better than when we beat No. 3 Villanova in overtime over Thanksgiving break. I personally saw a team with better leadership play with more poise than at any point last season. We got down by 12 in the second half, but never put our heads down. That win headlines a resume for Tech that includes four wins against ranked teams and a solid AP ranking of our own. To say that Coach Young’s tenure is going better than I
expected is a major understatement. Broke my heart: Losing to UVA in basketball After struggling mightily in the first half to the tune of 11 first-half points, VT toughened up in the second half, making some shots of their own and forcing the UVA offense into some dry spells. After taking the lead for parts of the second half, the waning seconds of the game saw the score tied at 53. UVA had the ball on the last possession of the game, and guard Kihei Clark pulled up and hit a clutch three that would prove to be the game winner. As much as UVA deserves credit, that loss really hurt, given that we needed a win in the worst way possible. Nicky Hatch Loved: Defeating No. 3 NC State in wrestling Watching the wrestling team defeat NC State to capture a share of the ACC dual team title while ending the longest winning streak by an NCAA team could not have been more impressive. Coach Tony Robie has introduced a major roadblock for the Wolfpack to overcome if they would like to continue exerting their dominance on a more competitive ACC conference. Sam Latona wrestled until the clock struck zero, highlighting the sort of newfound grit and resilience that Virginia Tech wrestling hasn’t displayed in the past. Broke my heart: Losing our bowl streak The football team opted not to play a bowl game, ending the nation’s longest bowl streak in the NCAA. After losses to ODU,
UVA, and Liberty faith in the coaching staff dropped off drastically as two of those games were within reach. Wyatt Krueger Loved: Beating Villanova in the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament Not only did coach Mike Young win his second game in as many years against the third ranked team in the country, but Keve Aluma shined for the Hokies after sitting out the 2019 season. Aluma scored a career-high 23 points and added eight rebounds. The Hokies went on to outscore the Wildcats 17-9 in overtime to secure the eight-point win. Since then, Aluma has been one of the best players in the ACC and has the Hokies in prime position to secure a double-bye in the ACC tournament with a month remaining in the regular season. Broke my heart: Losing to Liberty in Football It appeared that the Hokies had won off of an incredible special teams play. Virginia Tech players celebrated with Jermaine Waller as he ran through the endzone in excitement, but the mood flipped when officials ruled that head coach Justin Fuente had called a timeout right before the kick, voiding the play and the win. Liberty set up a shorter field goal for their kicker after the timeout, and Barbir’s second attempt was good for the 38-35 upset, summing up the 2020 football season perfectly. @CTSportsTalk