Four years ago, a dream came true for me
I was in the press box for VT softball at Clemson.
It was a lifetime dream come true as I always wanted to be a sports reporter, but when I graduated high school, Syracuse was the only option for journalism and this ol' Virginia country boy wasn't going to New York. So...I ended up at VT and majored in business instead, and had a blessed 40-year career in human resources.
Thanks to Will Stewart for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and for Coach D'Amour for always giving me access to his thoughts.
Today, I usually just sit in the stands so I can enjoy the game as a fan, but it was still a cool experience. And Sam has taken over a lot of the writing and he is doing an AWESOME job!!!!
I have been truly blessed!
** Edited by VTChip at 2/18/2025, 12:28:59 PM
17 Replies
D
DW Hokie
1y
you, made sportswriting my career ambition. I enrolled at VT in 1976 and majored in Communications with a Journalism emphasis. Proceeded to take every journalism class offered and also work at The Collegiate Times as sports writer, then Sports Editor, then Editor in Chief, and landed a job at The Roanoke Times out of college. There was definitely a journalism path at VT in the late ‘70s, but I believe it was a brand new path. May have come a bit too late for your timing. Really happy for you that you’re doing this, and also happy for us fans. You’re a VERY good writer — clean, descriptive, efficient prose!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1y
I was not wise in the ways of the world back then (not sure that I still am).
Everything turned out okay. I am very blessed.
(In response to this post by DW Hokie)
1y
reporters to do the Vulcan Mind Meld to get something as simple as starting line-ups. Glad Coach Pete is 180 degrees different!!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1y
Candidly, though, there aren't a lot of reporters covering softball, so take good care of the ones you have.
(In response to this post by ancient alien 2018)
1y
VT softball and fans like me are EXTREMELY fortunate/blessed to have a dedicated die hard fan like yourself doing ALL that you do for Hokie softball! In fact, I would not even be a fan AT ALL if it weren't for you! Once again, you are the walking definition of Ut Prosim!! BTW too, I am sure you were damn good working in human resources but man oh man, what could have been in the world of sports journalism!!! I am still glad we get to sample those talents ongoing - please don't hang up the "pen"!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1y
How can I and Hokie wife (former Richmond Fast Pitch All Star) hook up with you during the spring games? Many on this board have the same question, brother! You are so appreciated by us. Ut Prosim!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1y
Usually on the end of the front row just behind my little buddy Arthur!!!!
And we'll be leading the cheer together so you can hear us as well...lol
(In response to this post by A3genhokie)
1y
this stage of your life. You are a breath of fresh air in the world of college sports fans, someone who is worth following. God bless.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
G
GBOHokie
1y
Fan. Pretty sure you are so much more. Your in game commentary on the message boards, your fund raising, your awareness raising. We know so much more about Hokie softball due to you and your 4 years. Thank you again for what you do. I had a daughter who played travel softball, she got burned out. But that experience had me start paying some attention to Hokie softball. But reading your articles and posts got myself and my wife hooked. We don’t miss a game, even if it’s watching live stats and reading your TSL posts.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1y
Chip's in game commentary makes one feel like you are almost there, especially with the X posts of key moments also. Huzzah VTChip!
I can be at work and cheat a little look at my phone for softball updates. It's awesome.
** Edited by Hokebury at 2/18/2025, 3:56:00 PM
(In response to this post by GBOHokie)
1y
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
1y
We are blessed at Virginia Tech to have such a wonderful group of young ladies who represent our school with class.
If I have grown the interest in VT softball by just a little bit, it's been worth the investment in time and money.
Thank you again.
(In response to this post by GBOHokie)
N
nkhooch
1y
it wasn't. :-)
(In response to this post by VTChip)