
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, December 18, 1994                   TAG: 9412190085
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ABINGDON                                 LENGTH: Medium

WASHINGTON COUNTY DECLARES `HOKIE WEEK' - TONGUE IN CHEEK

The motion by the supervisor from Virginia Tech passed 6-1; thus it was that Dec. 25-31 became Hokie Week in the Southwest Virginia county of Washington, along the Tennessee border.

Let it also be known that the resolution orders the Virginia Tech football team, which plays the University of Tennessee on Dec. 30 in the Gator Bowl, ``to turn the Big Orange of the University of Tennessee into something that resembles a kumquat, and, further, to send Ole Smokey, their beloved 'coon hound mascot, back to the dog pound from whence he came.''

The dissenting vote to Supervisor and Virginia Tech alumnus Bobby Ingle's proposal? From a graduate of intrastate rival University of Virginia, of course.

``He failed to mention that [Virginia] had been victorious'' over Virginia Tech during the regular season, Supervisor Ken Mathews said. ``But there's a time for laughter and for humor, and I'm glad the board can show a little of that from time to time. I think Bobby did a good job with it.''

Ingle's resolution also commanded ``that all paraphernalia that would indicate a desire to be favorable toward the Volunteer football team [shall] be banned from display at any office, hallway, bathroom or any other place that could come within the public's view at the County Administration Building.''

That brought an objection from the county attorney, Tennessee graduate Joe Lyle.

``I think it is a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution, the Virginia Constitution and the constitution of the great state of Tennessee,'' Lyle said, in a voice cracking from a mighty effort to restrain his mirth. ``Before that resolution takes effect, we may see legal action - we are prepared to take this to the highest court in the land, if necessary.''

The U.S. Supreme Court?

``Absolutely,'' Lyle said.

Lyle also produced a memo printed on Ingle's private stationery and addressed to supervisors.

The cryptic memo outlines a ``course of action'' for the county to take ``in the unlikely event'' that Virginia Tech loses the Gator Bowl. Plans include the creation of a support group to help Hokie fans with deflated egos cope with their loss.

Ingle seemed perturbed that his stationery was used for the publication and circulation of a memo. He said he didn't write the document, then offered his prediction on the game: 45-0. A Hokie victory. Naturally.

by CNB