Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 18, 1994 TAG: 9411180108
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
In case you've missed it: A billboard stands right at the point where all the football fans will be stuck in traffic Saturday as they head for the annual Virginia Tech-University of Virginia match-up.
Allen, decked out in a big cowboy hat and a tie of Hokie maroon and orange, smiles and waves and welcomes the fans to Hokie Country. The picture was snapped last year in Shreveport, La., where Tech won the Independence Bowl.
"He was very happy they won," said Allen spokeswoman Melissa Herring Dickie. "Right after the Independence Bowl, he went to UVa's bowl. Unfortunately, they lost. He indicated the billboard should say, 'Wahoos for Hokies.'"
Unless you've had your head in a barrel - or you're brand-new to the state - you probably recall that the Republican governor, whose father coached the Washington Redskins, used to play football for UVa. And, of course, there's just no explaining the arch-rivalry between UVa and Virginia Tech. You either get it or you don't.
"I know the folks in Charlottesville are going to appreciate the humor," said Tech President Paul Torgersen.
But will they appreciate Charlottesville's humor in Blacksburg?
"They always associate cowboy gear and the like with Virginia Tech," joked UVa political forecaster Larry Sabato about his school's fans. "As in ... cow college."
Ouch.
Shot back Don Huffman, former state Republican chairman and now a member of Tech's Board of Visitors:
"It just shows Gov. Allen has the good taste to support Hokies, because they win bowl games."
Of course, Allen's spokeswoman says the governor is pulling for both Top 20 teams to make it to a bowl again this year.
But Saturday, look for him to root for his old team, said Herring Dickie.
by CNB