Hello Hello Hokies Hokies
NEWS
NEW CRUMBL COOKIES STORE OPENS DOORS IN BLACKSBURG
Max Painchaud | assistant News Editor
Crumbl owner Patrick Gardner hopes the Blacksburg community will benefit from his store.
Impartiality means reporting, editing and delivering the news honestly, fairly, objectively and without opinion or bias.
Credibility is the greatest asset of any news medium, and impartiality is the greatest source of credibility.
To provide the most complete report, a news organization must not just cover the news, but uncover it. It must follow the story wherever it leads, regardless of any preconceived ideas on what might be most newsworthy.
The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is therefore not to determine what they believe at that time to be the truth and
reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.
When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.
Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com
All letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. Other submissions must include city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.
On May 30, Crumbl Cookies opened its new location in Blacksburg, Virginia, after months of renovations and preparation.
Blacksburg’s Crumbl owner, Patrick Gardner, described his interest in opening a Crumbl in Southwest Virginia.
“I was born and raised in the Roanoke area, so it was an easy choice to bring Crumbl to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech,” Gardner said.
“It has always seemed like we never get things like Crumbl in our area.”
Gardner explained that he started consulting with architects, working with engineers and obtaining permits in January regarding the construction of a Crumbl franchise.
After its opening in May, when asked about his goals for the first year of Crumbl, he stated, “I want to provide a fun work environment for local residents and college students who want to work hard and offer amazing desserts to all who walk in our doors.”
Gardner added that he hopes the Blacksburg community will benefit from Crumbl in similar ways to the Lynchburg community and their Crumbl store.
“In our Lynchburg store, we are very involved with partnerships with Liberty and
NEWSROOM
the community and love to help wherever we are able to,” Gardner said.
“I hope that I personally am remembered as someone who treated his employees well, cared about all they gave to a very hard job at times and made everyone who comes into Crumbl feel as important as they truly are,” Gardner said.
Crumbl is open and fully operating in Blacksburg, Virginia.
COLLEGIAT E TIMES
231-9865
Editor-in-Chief: Michaela Scott (editor@collegiatetimes.com)
Managing editor: Ayisha Surani
Design editor: Annmarie Leake
Assistant Design editors: Caroline Rogers and Sarah Jordan
Copy editors: Emily Southern and Allyson Welmaker
News editors: Erin Bailey and Ava Garrison
Assistant News Editor: Max Painchaud
Lifestyles editors: Emma Duncan
Assistant Lifestyles editors: Cat Pizzarello and Ella Winterling
Sports editors: Sam Mostow, Thomas Bray and Dylan Tefft
Opinions editor: Jenna Mason
Photo editor: Hamad Alhendi
Assistant Photo editor: Riley Thompson
Have a news tip? newstips@collegiatetimes.com
BUSINESS STAFF 231-9860
Business manager: Greg Patterson (business@collegemedia.com)
MEDIAMATE 888-897-7711 collegiatetimes.com/media_kit/ orders@mymediamate.com
The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2020. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Collegiate Times. Read about our organization’s Core Values online at collegiatetimes.com.
AMBER WILLIAMS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Students walk around campus on a fall day, Oct. 10, 2021
CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT VIRGINIA TECH ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND NAME CHANGE
Jacob Luckenbaugh | news writer
Individual tickets and subscription packages will be available this summer.
The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech announced its 2025-2026 performance schedule on June 4, according to VT News. Containing a wide variety of performances, the schedule included celebrated musicals like “Chicago” and well-known performers like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances from members of the Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts will also be incorporated into the schedule at a later date, including theater productions and recitals from the student community as per the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech’s website.
Subscription packages for the season went on sale on June 12, and individual tickets will go on sale on July 31.
Prior to the release of the performance schedule, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved the renaming of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech to replace its previous name Moss Arts Center at its quarterly meeting on June 3. The name Moss Arts Center was chosen to honor the artist Patricia Buckley Moss, a painter known for her depictions of rural landscapes.
Ruth Waalkes, associate provost for the
arts at Virginia Tech and executive director of the Center for the Arts, described how the name change will affect the Center’s mission. “Though our name will change, our commitment to offer high-quality arts experiences, to create community connections, and to foster student learning and engagement will continue,” Waalkes said. “We remain dedicated to providing exceptional programs and welcoming experiences for all.”
To honor Moss, the Board of Visitors designated the front grounds of the Center as Patricia Buckley Moss Lawn. The lawn
OPINIONS
covers a broad area of Virginia Tech’s campus, providing an ideal space for community events that celebrate the arts.
A YEAR OF EATING AT VIRGINIA TECH
Karl Chamberlain | opinions columnist
Although Virginia Tech’s dining is nationally praised, it’s still college food.
If you’re an incoming first-year student at Virginia Tech, you’ve probably heard all about the food. It’s emphasized during campus tours and distinguished among the best college dining programs by publications such as Niche, The Princeton Review, CollegeRaptor and U.S. News & World Report. With a few exceptions, first-year students are required to live on campus and consequently required to purchase a minimum of $1,062 flex dollars, which costs $2,934. This system effectively forces first-year students to eat a majority of their meals on campus, which, according to the sources, doesn’t sound like a problem; however, I’d consider suspending your optimism.
There’s an encouraging variety for the first few weeks, with 47 choices between the 11 dining locations. Recognizable chain franchises such as Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks are featured on campus and included in the meal plans, offering some familiarity to new students. There’s certainly diversity, with venues taking precedent from cultures across different continents; however,
some of this breadth is deceptive. For example, there are three Italian venues: Rosso at West End, Ciotola at Owens and Veloce at Perry Place. Don’t bother trying the spaghetti with marinara sauce at all three, because it’s indistinguishable. Similarly, Ciotola and Rosso share the same breadsticks.
I take issue with trying to brand each venue as a distinct establishment when some menu items are identical, but I understand that they’re limited to the same resources; it’s hard to make a different dish when you’re supplied with the same ingredients. At least they stay true to the culture they’re emulating and consistently present themselves as Italian cuisine. What’s less defensible is Rambutan, when offering Japanese food, serving tamarind chicken that is identical to the Chinese General Tso’s chicken served at Wan. This dishonest repackaging of the same product exaggerates the facade of variety that Tech loves to boast about. It’s also arguably racist to serve the same dish under the guise of two different cultures, which generalizes East Asian food.
While these two examples are relatively unsubstantial and only pertain to a handful of dining options, they begin to challenge the idea of variety at Tech, which is where my critique lies. There’s nothing wrong with the food itself, aside from minor flaws like the underbaked doughnuts at Dunkin’. The general issue I experienced during my first year was that it got tiring. 47 dining places are a lot, but when you start accounting for differing hours of operation and what fraction of those venues actually appeal to your tastes, that number starts to decrease.
Although I can’t give Tech’s food a glowing recommendation, I can’t fault it too hastily. In the context of college dining, the number of options available and the level of quality delivered is impressive. These aren’t 47 restaurants and shouldn’t be regarded as such; they’re closer in design to fast food in their accommodation to the life of a busy college student. The restrictive nature of life on campus makes a repetitive diet almost inevitable. Tech makes a commendable attempt to alleviate that difficulty, which is why the
food is nationally recognized. It’s important to acknowledge that this praise is with respect to college food and not food in general. Don’t get your hopes up, but know that as far as college food goes, you’re getting some of the best there is to offer.
FINDING BALANCE IS KEY TO SUCCESS IN COLLEGE
Jenna Mason | opinions editor
Keeping a healthy work-life balance will make your college experience worthwhile.
Well, the time has come. You’ve arrived on campus, you’re unpacked and classes have finally started. Now all there’s left to do is get through the next four years and then you’re off into the real world. Although, when it comes to getting through these upcoming years of college, how do you make the most of it while still being successful in your studies? The answer to that is simple: achieve a healthy work-life balance.
So, what is a work-life balance? According to an article from BetterUp, “a healthy work-life balance means maintaining a harmonious relationship between your work and personal life.” This could be as simple as having a calendar and marking when assignments are due, dates of campus events and squeezing in time with your friends. Believe it or not, having a physical planner or online calendar for scheduling and keeping track of when things need to be done, is a great way to organize and manage your time.
Another step in achieving a healthy work-life balance is to learn when to say no. As you’ll see when school starts in the fall,
there are many opportunities for fun and extracurricular activities, especially at Virginia Tech. However, sometimes homework and academics can get in the way of that. It’s important to learn what to prioritize and when, because college is the place you come to further your education. So, instead of pushing off that assignment until the last minute to go to a Friday night party with your friends, maybe encourage a study date or just simply say no.
Something else to consider is to make time for yourself. Make sure to give yourself the alone time you need. It’s important to realize that when you come to college, you’re living in dorms, making new friends, having group projects and so much more that involve more than just you. Don’t stretch yourself too thin between school and friends, and make time for yourself. Whether this is something like reading a book, drawing or playing video games, having alone time is essential for both your mental health and success in college. One thing that tends to prohibit people from achieving a work-life balance is FOMO,
or the fear of missing out. According to Verywell Mind, FOMO is more than just having a feeling that you could be doing something better; it’s the legitimate fear of thinking you’ll miss something that’s “fundamentally important.” Due to this, FOMO can be extremely hard to deal with while in college. You’re surrounded by peers and friends who have similar interests to you and a lively campus. Not only does FOMO make it hard to make time for yourself, but it can also be difficult to make time for completing assignments, studying and class projects. When trying to achieve the work-life balance that works best for you, it’s important to recognize and combat FOMO to stop it from holding you back in your academic successes. One way to deal with FOMO in college is to make sure you’re spending enough time with your friends. This could be through hosting a game night, cooking meals together or going to a campus-related event. However, all of this tends to go back to scheduling and time management. While you’re looking forward to college activities,
you also have to be aware of your studies and academics.
Overall, college is categorized as some of the best years of your life. While this may not be the case for most, there are ways to make it an unforgettable experience. One of the most important ways to do that is by creating a healthy balance between school, time with peers and alone time. Many people tend to come to college for the parties and the thrill of it all. Although that’s good some of the time, college is meant to continue your studies and pursue higher education. It’s okay to be a bit of a party animal every now and then, but to make the most out of college is to create those memories while also getting the education you desired. Remember, when classes start in the fall, find a balance that works uniquely for you, that way you become as successful as you can be.
$10 STUDENT TICKETS for any performance. Galleries are always free.
EXPLORE THE SEASON! Tickets on sale Thurs., July 31, 10 AM artscenter.vt.edu
Virginia Tech students can get free, last-minute rush tickets — first come, first served. Sign up for texts and get a heads-up about free tickets. Just text “arts” to 833-966-1838 or scan the QR code to sign up.
PERFORMANCES | EXHIBITIONS | EXPERIENCES
MY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE
Mohib Amjad | opinions assistant editor
Being an international student may seem scary, but these tips will help you find your way.
Congratulations on getting into Virginia Tech! This may sound like something you have heard before, but it truly marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. You will make new friends, develop new traits, unlock new lore, and witness yourself grow and evolve into someone ready to face future challenges. Not to mention, college life does a decent job of giving you experiences that will prepare you for the real world.
While this must sound nerve-racking for most, it can feel terrifying for international students. As an international student from Germany and Pakistan, I can personally attest that the struggles of international students are often overlooked. Everyone feels homesick at some point, and for us, it can go deeper. It can stem from things like adjusting to a new climate, especially the infamous Blacksburg wind, the food doesn’t hit right, roommate issues, and missing your friends and family. But from my experience, most of these challenges can be managed and overcome, especially with the right support and mindset. Living in a boarding school helped me prepare for the challenges college had to offer. I had an idea early on that the most crucial factor in making this transition smoother was how comfortable I could get with Blacksburg.
In a classic Mohib fashion, I delayed my flight to the U.S. and instead chose to backpack across Portugal. It was an amazing experience, but I ended up missing the entirety of Weeks of Welcome and came to VT one day before classes were supposed to start, which is not the best idea. My roommate was randomly assigned, but I found his name on Starrez. Then, I found his Instagram account, sent him a request and we have been talking ever since. By the time I arrived, our vibes had already matched — shoutout Jayesh Sam — and my first in-person interaction at VT was warm and welcoming.
That night, I went to see campus, and seeing all the excited new students made me miss my friends back home even more. To combat that, I forced myself to be an extrovert for the first few weeks. I talked to everyone — the person in front of me at Owens, the person behind me at D2 and the person sitting next to me in class. I also explored VT’s student organizations and joined the Muslim Student Association at Virginia Tech (MSA) and the German Club. Soon enough, I started seeing
familiar faces across campus. This helped VT feel more at home, and I started to adjust well.
College life can be overwhelming at times, so here is a tip: stay in touch with upperclassmen. Ask for advice and learn from their experiences because it can give you valuable direction and insight.
Also, don’t try to fake your personality, and be as natural as you can. Embrace your culture and your background because you will eventually find people who appreciate you for who you are. If that means singing a 60s Bollywood song at Karaoke Night in Harper Hall — yes, I did that — so be it. It builds confidence and makes college a lot more enjoyable.
The food here is good, but it can get really boring after a while. So, learn how to cook. I love cooking and found that making food
from back home helped me cope with homesickness, but it also became a great way to connect with people. Inviting friends over for dinner created some of my favorite memories.
Something else to keep in mind is to make a habit of checking your e-mail, especially those that come from the Cranwell International Center.
Virginia Tech has loads of services for international students, and you should never think twice about tapping into them. The staff there can ease any bump you hit after you arrive, whether you need immigration advice, an invite to a fun cultural event or someone to talk to when the whole experience starts feeling too much.
One final note: enjoy your time because it will go by in the blink of an eye. College
life can be intimidating, so always prioritize yourself and your well-being, and do not be afraid to take risks occasionally.
Join communities that align with what you love doing, and I promise, you will find your people.
And if you want someone to talk to or grab lunch with, my email is mohibmamjad@ vt.edu, and I’d love to talk to you about the social and political state of the world.
CHEN JIANG / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Students can learn about study abroad programs at the annual international fair.
LIFESTYLES PREPARE TO JUMP: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST FOOTBALL GAME IN LANE STADIUM
Benjamin Gozzi | lifestyles staff writer
The first home game is Saturday, September 6, leaving three months and one article to get prepared.
It goes without saying that Worsham Field and Lane Stadium are home to one of the nation’s premier college football experiences. From the rich tradition to the energy pulsing through the stands at each game, the spectacle of football in Blacksburg is truly a sight to behold. With a new set of coordinators and a handful of fresh players, this upcoming season already has a high amount of potential.
As new fans and returning students alike make their way to Virginia Tech this fall, it is crucial to know what you’re getting into when game day comes around. It’s no secret that campus transforms into an epicenter of excitement during football season, but a lack of preparedness can be disastrous before, during and after the first weekend matchup.
The list below, while not comprehensive, is crafted with the intent to give you an idea of what to expect before you start jumping in Lane Stadium. Look below to make sure you’re not sleeping with both eyes open in fear before your first Tech home game.
Buy into the hype
For your first visit to Lane Stadium to be a successful one, it’s paramount to show up with the right mentality. Arriving at the game with any other motivation besides cheering on the Hokies is immediately setting yourself up for failure. Being a committed and dedicated fan often means supporting the team at their lowest and cheering them on at their best.
“Lane Stadium on game day truly represents what it is to be a Hokie,” said Emily Martin, a rising senior majoring in human development. “I love seeing students and families with differing backgrounds come together on Saturdays to jump, eat and sing as Virginia Tech fans.”
The best way to support the Hokies is by buying into the hype. Scream your heart out. Clap your hands. Jump and yell as loud as you
can as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” cascades through the loudspeakers at tipoff. Dedication to the game is your golden ticket to joining a collective voice of equally passionate Hokies who want nothing but the best for their team.
Understand game day traditions
It’s easy to think that Virginia Tech’s only football tradition is jumping to “Enter Sandman” as the home team runs out of the tunnel. However, knowing the little things that are interwoven through all four quarters is important to the overall success of your football experience.
One of the most notable ways to participate in game day traditions is to bring your keys for “key plays” throughout the game. These moments occur when the Hokies are on defense and need to make a stop against the opposing offense. The chattering of 66,000 pairs of keys echoing throughout Lane Stadium is often more than enough to disorient the other team, making this game day tradition one that many participate in.
Additional moments throughout the game are often manufactured for fan engagement, including on-field mini-games and hilarious eating challenges between quarters.
Perhaps the most engaging moment for fans is at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Soundtracked by The Isley Brothers’ “Shout, Pts. 1 and 2,” a highlight reel of viral internet trends, funny videos and notable team moments play from the big screen, concluded by a message from historic defensive coordinator Bud Foster. The video is a surefire way for fans to get re-energized entering the last quarter of the game.
Pack light
With 66,000 of your closest friends packed into Lane Stadium, losing personal
belongings during a football game is likely. To avoid this unfortunate mishap, packing light for your journey to Lane is a must.
“One thing I wish I knew before my first football game as a student is to bring as little as possible,” Martin said. “A pair of sunglasses, a credit card and your Hokie Passport is all you need.”
Before the 2021 football season, Virginia Tech Athletics elected to go cashless in Lane Stadium. Having a card, whether it be credit, debit or prepaid, is key if you want to enjoy an infamous turkey leg while watching the Hokies.
Prioritize your own safety
The hype of this event, especially if the game is against a marquee team or an in-state rival, can sometimes consume even the most level-headed individuals and lead to unforeseen consequences. Keeping your personal safety at the forefront of your game day experience is arguably the most important part of an enjoyable Saturday.
While Lane is a monstrous stadium, the building is architecturally savvy. There are exits placed across the entire venue. The most reliable exit in the student section is directly up the middle and can be reached by coming down the stairs and walking into the tunnel leading to the concourse. This shaded area below the stands is often a great place to rehydrate or take a quick breather before returning to the action.
If there are more serious incidents, the next best thing to do is find one of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad members stationed in and around Lane Stadium. First aid stations are also located throughout the stadium, including a pair on the East Side (behind Sections 1 and 31), South End Zone (behind Section 202) and the West Side (behind Section 20).
While the above list doesn’t capture
everything an eager fan will experience on game day, it’s recommended that Hokie Nation knows what to expect in Lane Stadium. With a new season on the horizon, this year looks to be one that Tech fans won’t want to miss.
SIX FAVORITES FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND BLACKSBURG
Laura crigger | lifestyles contributor
Stay in town or venture past Blacksburg with these outdoor excursions suggested by a local.
The magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains expand across Southwestern Virginia, in which Blacksburg sits right in the heart of. Not only is Blacksburg surrounded by striking mountains, but the area is also home to the New River, stunning waterfalls, expansive national forests, thriving farms, large lakes and hiking trails with exceptional views. With so much terrain to explore, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy. Based on my personal experiences as well as advice from locals, these outdoor adventures are versatile, exciting, and can be enjoyed by all. No Hokie should be bored on a sunny day.
Trail horseback riding
A leisurely horse ride through the scenic Appalachian trails is a perfect relaxing weekend activity, especially during Southwest Virginia’s vibrant Fall season. Skyline Stables, just a 30-minute drive from campus, offers affordable trail rides and riding lessons. For just $40 per person per hour and no level of experience required, the trail follows along the hills and forests right alongside the New River, the oldest river in the U.S. Horseback riding is a perfect way to explore and appreciate our natural surroundings while also relaxing and recovering from a long week.
Bald Knob Hiking Trail and Mountain Lake Lodge
Whether you are seeking a fun way to exercise, interact with wildlife, or photograph a breathtaking view, the Bald Knob Trail and adjacent Mountain Lake Lodge located about 30 minutes north of campus are great destinations.
The trail to the rocky plateau destination is only 0.4 miles; however, it is a very steep trek and acts as a great full-body workout. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with an expansive, infinite-seeming view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Regardless of rain or shine, the view is spectacular, and you feel as if you are up in the clouds.
The first time my friends and I ventured out to hike the Bald Knob Trail, we were quickly defeated by the high winds and frigid temperatures due to the location’s
ANY WAY YOU EVERYDAY
With a variety of checking accounts to fit your lifestyle.
heightened altitudes. Our decision to embark on this day trip during March ultimately was not the best decision.
However, we needed to make the most of our day, so we decided to explore Mountain Lake Lodge, which is a quick walk from the Bald Knob Trail entrance. There were a couple of restaurants, a wildlife center where visitors can hold lizards and snakes, and a large, dry lake. Movie fans may recognize this location as the film set for the popular 80s movie Dirty Dancing. So, if you find yourself hiking the Bald Knob Trail, stop by the Mountain Lodge Inn to grab a gourmet snack, make some amphibian friends, and explore a popular movie film location.
continued on page 9
continued from page 8
Cox’s Golf Driving Range
Golfing is fun, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming. Hitting a long, high, straight ball is the best part, and luckily, Blacksburg has its own affordable and casual version of Topgolf. Cox’s Driving Range is located just about five minutes from campus on Prices Fork Road, also offering a putting green, batting cage, and mini golf course. You can buy a small ($7), medium ($8) or jumbo ($20) bucket of balls, walk right out back and pick one of the 26 range stations offered. Don’t forget to bring your own golf clubs.
River tubing and floating at New River Junction
If you love the outdoors, you will not be disappointed with the opportunities at New River Junction.
They offer cabin rentals, fishing, camp sites, and most notably, water tubing on the New River. For only $27 per person, which includes parking, a life jacket and your tube (which includes a cooler holder), you can spend a warm day out in the sun, floating down the refreshing river with your friends. The float duration is about an hour, and the environment is purely blissful.
Skeet shooting at Blacksburg Shooting Range, Jefferson National Forest
*Personal equipment and either experience or guidance is required for this activity.
One of my favorite activities near Blacksburg is skeet shooting. For those who own shotguns and have some experience, the Blacksburg Shooting Range in the Jefferson National Forest is a quick 15-minute drive North of campus.
The range is open to the public at no cost from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is closed on Mondays. Before arriving at the range, make sure you stop by Academy Sports and Outdoors in Christiansburg, where you can buy shotgun shells, clay disks, and a clay disk thrower.
Although the thought of shooting a 12-gauge shotgun might sound intimidating, it can be quite a fun, adrenaline-boosting activity.
The range is in a public area, and you must bring your own equipment. This activity also requires caution, and I would highly recommend that first-time participants have an experienced shooter come along to teach safety protocols, how to hold the gun, have accurate aim and throw the clays.
Once you’re all set with the proper
expansive view at the plateau destination
materials and guidance, get out there and have some fun while learning a new, unique skill.
Winterplace Skiing in Ghent, West Virginia
As Winter rolls around, Blacksburg can seem a little dull, and there aren’t as many opportunities for outdoor activities. Winterplace Ski Resort is the closest ski resort to Blacksburg, and although the one-hour and 15-minute drive doesn’t sound too appealing, the drive is worth it for a fun, social winter weekend. There are 15 slopes ranging from greens, blues and black diamonds. All skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to advanced, can enjoy the resort.
Winterplace offers affordable seasonal tickets ($499), day-pass lift tickets, and ski and snowboard rentals. For lodging, the Cabins at Pinehaven are an excellent choice for larger friend groups. The cabins are
secluded. They include private decks, hot tubs, fireplaces, cable TV and wifi.
Overall, these spots have become favorite go-to places amongst my friends and me for when we need something to do outside.
We always leave with great memories and learn something new. Virginia Tech is nestled in such a beautiful area and I strongly encourage all Hokies to take advantage of their captivating surroundings.
LAURA CRIGGER / COLLEGIATE TIMES
The
of the Bald Knob hiking trail.
HOKIE HOW-TO: TRANSFER STUDENT RESOURCE GUIDE
Bailey
miller | lifestyles staff writer
As a transfer student, staff writer Bailey Miller shares campus resources that make becoming a Hokie easier.
Transferring to a new school can be very intimidating, as the feeling of being both a new student and an upperclassman brings unique challenges. Luckily, Virginia Tech understands that transfer students face these obstacles and has resources in place to help students succeed and thrive.
Transfer student first-year experience class
“Unleash Your Hokie Potential” (UNIV 2114) is an optional first-year experience class catered towards transfer students. The one-credit class meets twice a week during the first half of the semester. It covers topics applicable to all students, including how to utilize the Cook Counseling Center, navigating HokieSPA and complimentary resume reviews. The class also covers transfer-specific resources, such as the Peer Mentoring Program and how to access transfer student advising.
This course offers leadership opportunities, as transfer students are also welcome to
apply to be a teacher’s assistant (TA) for the course to help future transfer students.
Transfer Experience Living Learning Community
The Transfer Experience Living Learning Community (LLC) located in Newman Hall, gives transfer students the chance to live on campus. This allows transfer students to have an environment with peers with their shared experience. Dorm life gives students the unique opportunity of being within walking distance from campus amenities and being able to very easily connect with other students in the building. This community aims to connect fellow transfer students and create a welcoming environment for all residents.
The LLC student-run leadership council regularly organizes dorm-specific events to provide residents with fun activities with their peers. The leadership council is also an excellent way for transfer students to get more involved and gain professional experience
while giving back to the Hokie transfer community.
“I’ve loved being a part of Transfer Experience for the past two years I’ve spent at Virginia Tech,” said Taylor Salliss, a rising senior elementary education major and incoming vice president of the Transfer Experience LLC.
Transfer Peer Mentoring Program
The Transfer Peer Mentoring Program connects new transfer students with a previously enrolled transfer student during a student’s first semester at Virginia Tech. This optional mentorship program is designed to further help new transfer students acclimate to Virginia Tech and find their place.
“The program really helped me my first semester,” Salliss said. “It allows students to connect with a returning transfer student who will welcome them, answer any questions they may have, and provide any additional assistance and reassurance. I highly recommend it.”
Tau Sigma Honor Society
Tau Sigma is a transfer-specific honor society. Transfer students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher in their first semester at Virginia Tech are invited to join. This honor society offers scholarships, professional development and social opportunities to members.
“There are always fun events planned for Tau Sigma,” Salliss said. “Joining is also a great way to make friends who are also transfer students.”
Incoming transfer students don’t need to fret, as Virginia Tech faculty and previous transfer students want to help new students feel at home. Through the listed resources and more, new transfers can begin to make the most out of their journey as a Hokie. To all incoming transfer students, welcome to Hokie Nation. We are so happy you are here.
THE FRESHMAN 15 YOU SHOULD BE STRIVING FOR
paige clayton | lifestyles contributor
The traditional freshman fifteen is out. Here’s the revamped version, a college bucket list you’ll purposefully complete.
Your freshman year of college is one of the most pivotal points in life. Living on your own for the first time, taking classes that will set you up with knowledge for your future, meeting new people and learning so much about yourself as an individual. With this change comes three words that will sit in the back of your mind once you hear them for the first time: the freshman 15. If you’re lucky enough to have avoided this phrase until now, it’s the forewarning that you’ll inevitably gain 15 pounds in your freshman year of college. Is that really what requires your attention during freshman year? It’s time to rebrand this silly phrase. Here are 15 experiences, iconic spots and tidbits of advice that will enhance your first year as a Hokie, not weigh it down.
1. Gobblerfest
Virginia Tech has over 500 clubs and organizations to join. Whether you’re interested
in Greek life or a cappella, there are myriad options to choose from. One of the best ways to find all of your options (and free stuff) is Gobblerfest, which takes over the entire Drillfield with booths, performances and games. It can be an overwhelming experience, and the scariest part can be just putting yourself out there. Write your name down on a few different contact lists and go with friends or other people from your dorm. You probably won’t have cell service on the Drillfield, so stick with the people you went with or establish meeting points and times.
2. Go to a home football game
Virginia Tech football is arguably one of our school’s biggest appeals. Between the teams’ rich history, notable alumni and undeniable atmosphere, this is a must-do for your first year as a Hokie. The first home game of the season is Sept. 6, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m..
Student tickets can be acquired free of cost through the lottery system, or you can buy season tickets if you haven’t already. Come dressed in your best maroon and orange and get ready to jump.
3.
Blacksburg Farmers Market
Every Wednesday and Saturday in Market Square Park there is a farmers market with a plethora of vendors. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather that Blacksburg provides and it supports local businesses. There is also a vintage market in the same location every second and fourth Sunday of the month, which is a great way to find one-ofa-kind pieces and meet new people.
4. Fun fact: You can get married in the War Memorial Chapel
Okay — you probably aren’t thinking about
marriage quite yet. Let’s get through freshman year first. But if the time comes around, you’ll know that you can get married at your Alma Mater. War Memorial Chapel is located right under The Pylons, and can be used for your wedding ceremony. The waiting list is about two years long, and there are precise dates that you can reserve, so if you happen to find your special someone freshman year, you may want to go ahead and get on that waiting list. Plus, Hokie Bird in a tuxedo is a VIP guest who’s pretty hard to get under other circumstances.
5. Walk your schedule
Virginia Tech has one of the most thoughtfully laid out college campuses. Separated into athletic, residential and academic regions, it’s pretty easy to navigate, but is still commonly undiscovered territory for freshmen. By the time you move in, you should have a decent idea of your class schedule. Knowing where your classrooms are and how long it will take you to get there in advance will give you a stronger sense of confidence going into day one. Consider walking to your classes before the semester begins to ensure that you won’t be late during your first week.
6. Museum of Geology
Located in Derring Hall on the second floor, room 2062, is a little geology museum owned by the Department of Geosciences. This museum is a hidden gem on campus and contains rocks, minerals and fossils native to the Appalachian region, as well as super cool global finds. There is also a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, nicknamed the “VT. Rex”. If you find yourself on that side of campus with time to kill, stop by. Entry is free.
7. El Rodeo
The hometown Mexican restaurant is a sacred place. Gossip exchanged over chips and queso is a perfect form of therapy. El Rodeo has two locations, one on North Main Street and one on South. Both offer exactly what you’d expect from a local Mexican spot
ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Students pose for a picture with the HokieBird, April 20, 2018.
continued from page 11
and are equally beloved by Virginia Tech students and Blacksburg locals. Any upperclassman would tell you that dining here at least once is an essential experience, but you will probably end up returning time and time again.
8. Spend a day on Prairie Quad
If you find yourself with beautiful weather and nothing to do, Prairie Quad is a perfect spot. Some solo sunshine or a group hangout is equally enjoyable. All you need is a towel, sunscreen and a speaker for an idyllic day. Join in on a game of basketball or volleyball, hang a hammock or lie out and tan.
9. The Lyric Theater
One screen, run by volunteers and years of history; The Lyric is a movie theater located in downtown Blacksburg that has been a cornerstone of our town’s culture since 1930. Catch a matinee or evening showing and take advantage of free popcorn on Mondays. If you’re looking to see upcoming showings, the screening calendar can be found online, providing a detailed schedule.
10. Hokie merch
Our colors are iconic and one of a kind. When Virginia Tech made the switch from black and cadet grey to burnt orange and Chicago maroon, a slew of new merchandise followed. If you haven’t already, picking up some Virginia Tech merch is a must-do before football season begins. The Campus Bookstore has a wide variety of apparel and VT goods. If you want a more vintage feel, VT Thrift and BookHolders are great options.
11. Actually going to class
While this may seem like an obvious point, go to your classes. Yes, even your 8 a.m. in New Classroom Building. On average, each lecture costs you around $36. Learning to be financially responsible is a huge part of college, and that includes taking advantage of the academics you’re paying for. Besides the financial aspect, your intellectual property is valuable. Take advantage of the knowledge you can gain on our campus.
12. Camera rentals
Digital cameras are huge right now, but the cameras themselves can be super pricey.
If you’ve been wanting one but aren’t sure about which one or how to use them, the Studio’s Technology Lending Desk is the place to visit. Located on the fourth floor of Newman Library, you can reserve projectors, cameras, video games and more through the online catalog. You can rent equipment for free for up to a week.
13. Carol Lee Donuts
Waking up early and trekking to 1414 North Main Street is worth it. Established in 1969, Carol Lee Donuts is a family business making some of the best homemade donuts in southwest Virginia. They’re cheap, fresh and a pillar of Blacksburg culture.
14. Y-TOSS
You may be tempted to buy every single dorm accessory, piece of decor or gadget you see online or in Target, but you can save yourself some money at Y-TOSS. The YMCA at Virginia Tech collects gently used dorm items and clothing during move-out and then resells the items during move-in later in the year. Not only will the Y-TOSS save you some money, but it’s a sustainable way to decorate your dorm and takes some stress out of the
initial packing for your first year of college.
15. Finals week(s)
Finals season in college isn’t easy, but administrators do what they can to make it more bearable. The schedule is a bit different every year, so keep an eye out for this year’s official list of activities and resources. Cheesy Nights will always be on the calendar. The Virginia Tech Police Department and University Libraries come together to provide grilled cheese, snacks and some emotional support for students a couple of days before finals week. VT Rec Sports also provides free group exercise classes and fun events, which are great ways to relieve some stress and get a brain break.
Getting acquainted with campus, Blacksburg, and the general flow of college life is just a starting point. Hopefully, now, your idea of the freshman 15 has changed for the better. Having a positive outlook on your first year at Virginia Tech will propel you forward into a confident and competent four years. This list is just a starting point - the rest is in your hands. Good luck, and go Hokies!
@COLLEGIATETIMES
SPORTS
A RECAP OF EVERY VIRGINIA TECH TEAM’S 2024-25 SEASON
Sam Mostow | sports editor
Here is how the Hokies fared in all their sports over the last year.
FALL
Men’s cross country
As a team, Tech finished 26th in the NCAA Championships on the 10-kilometer Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, Wisconsin. Sophomore George Couttie finished 14th to earn his first All-American nod and the first for the Hokies since Peter Seufer’s fourth-place finish in 2019.
Women’s cross country
The Hokies placed 13th at the ACC Championships at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, on Nov. 1. Sharon Chepchirchir finished 23rd with a 20:14.2 finish in the six-kilometer race.
Football
A season that began with so much hype crashed down, starting with a Week 1 overtime loss to Vanderbilt. A disappointing 2024 campaign resulted in the firings of three coaches — including defensive coordinator Chris Marve — and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen leaving for a smaller role at Ohio State. Various NFL teams selected five Hokies players — Bhayshul Tuten, Jaylin Lane, Dorian Strong, Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles — in the April draft, meaning Tech will need to revamp its roster ahead of Brent Pry’s fourth season at the helm.
Men’s soccer
Tech rebounded to finish with a 7-6-4 record after failing to notch more than four wins in each of the previous two seasons. However, only one win came against a conference opponent — Syracuse on Sept. 13 — and the Hokies failed to defeat a ranked team. Oliver Roche and Ethan Hackenberg tied for the most goals on the team with five.
Women’s soccer
The Hokies’ 14-6-3 record was their best since 2015. They advanced deep into the NCAA Tournament with wins over Tennessee, No. 9 UCLA and No. 17 Iowa before falling in a quarterfinal to No. 1 Duke.
The season marked just the second time in program history Tech advanced to the Elite Eight.
Volleyball
After a 10-0 start in 2023, the Hokies took a step back. They finished 7-23 overall, including 1-19 against ACC teams — the worst conference record of head coach Marci Byers’ tenure. The lone conference win came on Oct. 13 against Clemson.
WINTER
Men’s basketball
Head coach Mike Young had to rebuild after five players entered the transfer portal following the 2023-24 campaign. Still, the season was far from a failure, especially considering the Hokies’ subpar resources. ACC media members picked the team to finish 14th in the conference, then Tech finished 10th — culminating in a double overtime loss to Cal in the first round of the ACC Tournament.
Women’s basketball
Megan Duffy’s first season as the head coach crescendoed into being the first team out of the NCAA Tournament and a secondround loss in the WBIT. Still, Duffy retained six players from Kenny Brooks’ tenure and kept a core intact, establishing a foundation for year two and beyond.
Men’s swim and dive
Virginia Tech finished 10th in the NCAA Championships in Federal Way, Washington, on March 29, totaling 107.5 points. Carles Coll Marti finished third in the 200-yard breaststroke with a 1:48.89 and Youssef Ramadan’s 100-yard butterfly finished eighth in 44.15 seconds.
Women’s swim and dive
Tech finished 20th at the NCAA Championships on March 22. Carmen Weiler Sastre, who competed for Spain in the 2024 Paris Olympics, earned two First-Team All-American nods and set school records
in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke and 100-yard freestyle.
Wrestling
Virginia Tech won its first ACC Tournament championship since 2018 while Caleb Henson (149 lbs.), Rafael Hipolito, Jr. (157), Eddie Ventresca (125) and Connor McGonagle (141) earned individual titles. The Hokies received nine automatic NCAA Tournament bids and finished 11th overall with 41 points.
SPRING
Softball
Tech once again had the talent to earn a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament and host the second-ever Blacksburg Regional. However, it dropped two of three games to Pitt and surrendered a seven-run lead to Clemson in the ACC Tournament semifinal to fall outside of the threshold to host. The Hokies ended their season in the Tuscaloosa Regional and are graduating ace pitcher Emma Lemley and power hitter Cori McMillan.
Baseball
For the second consecutive year, the Hokies started well; they notched wins early in the season and earned a top-25 ranking after winning three consecutive ACC series. Then, just like the year before, they ran into a buzzsaw down the stretch of conference play, falling on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble for the third consecutive season.
Lacrosse
Another stronger-than-expected season in the stacked ACC was a good sign following head coach Kristen Skiera’s fourth season in Blacksburg. A 14-11 win over No. 11 Syracuse was the high point of the year, though Tech managed just a 3-6 record in conference play.
Men’s golf
Tech finished last at the ACC Championship in Bowling Green, Kentucky, from April 24 to April 28. Rahul Rajendran led the Hokies by
tying for 42nd at four over par.
Women’s golf
A seventh-place finish out of 15 teams at the ACC Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, earned the Hokies a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Gold Canyon Regional. They finished ninth in the regional while Morgan Ketchum tied for 20th by shooting five over par.
Men’s tennis
Virginia Tech finished 10-15 overall, including 2-11 in conference play, with ACC wins against Boston College and Georgia Tech. It ended its season with a 4-1 loss to SMU in the first round of the ACC Championship.
Women’s tennis
The Hokies went 13-12 on the season with a 2-10 conference record. Mila Mulready, Linda Ziets-Segura, Tara Gorinsek and Arina Gamretkaia earned wins in the second round of the ACC Championships at the end of the season.
Men’s track and field
Ben Thomas, a 1992 alumnus, returned to Virginia Tech and took the reins from longtime coach Dave Cianelli, who retired after coaching for 23 years. In Thomas’s first year, the Hokies finished tied for 23rd at the NCAA Championships and earned three First Team All-American honors. The finish was Tech’s best in the NCAA Championships since 2015.
Women’s track and field
Lindsey Butler finished seventh in the 1500-meter race and earned a First Team All-American nod in the NCAA Championships. At the same competition, Mariana Pestana finished 11th in the hammer throw final while Chiara Sistermann placed 16th in the pole vault.
‘I FEEL LIKE I’M BACK AT SCHOOL’: HOKIES ALUM
GEORGIA AMOORE FINDS ROLE IN WNBA
Sam Mostow | sports editor
The Washington Mystics drafted the point guard with the No. 6 overall pick in 2025.
WASHINGTON — Tearing her right ACL was not how Georgia Amoore wanted to start her professional career, but she was quick to find a silver lining.
The Washington Mystics, who selected the point guard with the No. 6 overall pick in this season’s WNBA Draft, enlisted her as an extra coach, charting offensive and defensive execution while helping improve communication between players and staff. If Amoore, who played four seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to Kentucky for her fifth year, can’t contribute on the floor this season, the Mystics team found other ways to utilize her strengths.
“Going into your rookie year, injured or not, you always want to be a sponge,” Amoore said during a press conference on June 15, hours before a game against the Atlanta Dream. “I still have that ability to do that. I’m making the most of it, and obviously being around practice helps that, but I guess my role is to be that sponge.”
The Mystics opted to keep the Australian on their roster in anticipation of the 2026 season, following the first major injury of
Amoore’s collegiate or professional careers.
“She’s just so engaged, and it was like, OK, we gotta channel this somehow, some way. There’s a certain output that you’ll have as a player, and she’s not quite getting that,” said Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson. “But I have a funny feeling that even when she’s back on the court, the same types of conversations will be happening because she’s so thoughtful in terms of how she’s trying to help the team.”
A lot has changed since Amoore left Virginia Tech with ACC Tournament and regular season titles, a Final Four appearance and the program assists record. Then-head coach Kenny Brooks left for Kentucky after the 2024 season, and Amoore followed him after four seasons in Blacksburg. The Wildcats earned a No. 4 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament before falling in the second round to No. 5 seed Kansas State.
She was in Manhattan for the WNBA draft 22 days after the loss, waiting for commissioner Cathy Engelbert to call her name. Amoore didn’t have to wait long for the Mystics to select her with their third pick in the first round, following Notre Dame guard
Sonia Citron (No. 3 overall) and USC forward Kiki Iriafen (No. 4 overall).
“It’s different than college, obviously, but I think the coolest thing about DC is I’m getting noticed the same as I did in Kentucky,” Amoore said. “It’s kind of crazy to think of a college campus vs. a big city, but that’s how much DC loves sports. … I’m not going to classes, but it hasn’t changed with the feeling and support and the love for all the teams.”
Not that change is new to Amoore. She moved 10,000 miles at 18 years old to Virginia Tech, across hemispheres and through the COVID-19 pandemic. A coaching change brought her to Kentucky for her final college season, then the draft sent her to Washington.
“Every single change, I’ve been able to adapt and I think that set me up for success with coming to a city and living by myself and adapting to a change of scenery, style of play and all of that,” Amoore said. “I think being an international student and spending a vast amount of time in the States already set me up for some comfortable adjustments coming out.”
Torn ACLs are not uncommon in the
WNBA. Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, sustained the injury in 2022 while she was at UConn. Same with Cameron Brink, the No. 2 pick in 2024. Elizabeth Kitley, Amoore’s teammate at Virginia Tech, suffered the injury in her final collegiate regular season game in 2024 and missed her first WNBA season before debuting with the Las Vegas Aces in 2025.
“It’s unfortunate but it’s fortunate that I had so many teammates do their ACL and come back and they’re fine,” Amoore said. “If anything, they’ve learned so much about themselves physically and mentally, and when you see that, you believe in it and you know that you can do it. It’s unfortunate that those injuries have happened, but it’s fortunate that I’ve surrounded myself with great people that can share wisdom.”
Whether she is on the court or not, Amoore found ways to contribute on a professional roster.
“Being a point guard and being on the shorter side, I’ve always had to do the little things,” Amoore said. “I’ve always had to learn the intricacies, learn my teammates, learn the flow, learn my coach and what they want to see manifested on the court. It’s been really fun for me to take a step back and just be a nerd about it.
“I feel like I’m back at school. I’m not going to class, but I am.”
MADDY DJURIC / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Georgia Amoore (5) smiles after a teammate made a three-point shot, Feb. 25, 2024.
