Scrimmage highlights, award for Wilford, Beamer begins playoff work

Free stadium blankets for students, help Slye kick cancer

March 31, 2017

BLACKSBURG – The Hokies completed their fifth practice of the spring Thursday evening, conducting a controlled scrimmage at the conclusion of the session. The scrimmage consisted of a series of six-play drives between the offense and defense. Quarterbacks A.J. Bush, Hendon Hooker, Josh Jackson and Ryan Willis all took turns leading their respective offensive units.

Head coach Justin Fuente indicated following practice that the base installation phase of spring is complete. Situational work will commence Saturday in addition to continued attention to individual drills and special teams work. The Maroon-Orange Spring Game is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

Here’s a look at some of the best images from Thursday’s workout.

Wilford embodies spirit of Ut Prosim

Former Hokies’ receiver Ernest Wilford made an impact in Jacksonville, Florida as a member of the NFL’s Jaguars. After concluding his playing career, Wilford has served for a year with the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office, where his work in the community was recognized this week. Several citizens stepped forward throughout the year to praise him for going above and beyond that call of duty.

Check out the full story from Joe Daraskevich of the Florida Times-Union:

bit.ly/UtProsimEW

Joey Slye’s willingness to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) comes as no surprise to those who know his story. His older brother, A.J., passed away from leukemia in 2014 while at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Twenty years old at the time, A.J.’s passing marked the end of a heroic 14-month battle.

Slye and his family formed a foundation in A.J.’s honor to raise money and awareness for cancer research and also to help those with hardships in the community. The Slye family gives out scholarships to selected recipients from the schools in Stafford County.

Now, Slye is helping LLS with its annual big fundraising event. He continues his push to raise money through his social media channels, with help from both Union Bank & Trust and the Virginia Tech Athletics Department. He also received permission to put on an event at Tech’s Indoor Practice Facility on April 23, the Sunday after the spring game.

For small fees, those who attend can participate in games such bubble ball soccer and cornhole. There also will be a silent auction for certain items/memorabilia. Those who wish to contribute online can do so by clicking here.

Full Story

vthoki.es/SlyeLLS

Free stadium blankets for Virginia Tech students

Just a reminder that Virginia Tech students can purchase 2017 student season tickets now! The first 2,000 students who reserve their student tickets are eligible to receive a complimentary stadium blanket.

http://hokietickets.com/student

Beamer begins duties on College Football Playoff Selection Committee

Former Tech football coach Frank Beamer traveled to Phoenix this week for the first official meeting of the newest configuration of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee – the meeting is taking place in conjunction with the Final Four. Beamer is picture below with Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff. Coach Beamer is beginning a three-year term this spring, along with fellow new committee members Chris Howard (President, Robert Morris University) and Gene Smith (Director of Athletics, The Ohio State University).

GOAT ALERT 🐐 🐐

Coach Beamer hard at work with @BHancockCFP & #CFBPlayoff Selection Committee in Phoenix. #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/uaDLmWKWjo

— VT Football (@VT_Football) March 30, 2017

Check out Coach Fuente in Shenandoah

Fuente confirmed Wednesday that he will serve as the guest speaker for the Sports Breakfast of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Shenandoah, Virginia on Saturday, May 6. Fuente joins a distinguished list of past sports football figures to attend the event, including Joe Gibbs, Don Shula and Barry Sanders. Following the breakfast event Saturday morning, Fuente is anticipated to participate in the grand parade.

For More Information

www.thebloom.com

– VT –

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