UVA, VT fans equal in spirit

Walking on Virginia Tech’s campus, you’d hear the unmistakable gobble and see those unmistakable colors- maroon and orange. But UVA fans made their presence known before the Commonwealth Cup game, peppering in some blue at the tailgates. Both sides mingled, and many of the fans were both friends and rivals.

When it comes to university rivalries, the Virginia Tech Hokies and the UVA Cavaliers (nicknamed the Wahoos) are some of the most well-known in the commonwealth.

“We don’t like the Hoos,” said Brenda Berry.

“And we don’t like Hokies,” said Berry’s friend, Caroline Griffin.

They can debate who is higher on the food chain – a Hokie is “a really mean turkey,” said Jeb Arbaugh.

A Wahoo is “A fish who can drink twice its weight in water,” said Josh Arbaugh, Jeb’s brother and rival.

From which team has the best stadium, the best players, the best mascot, it’s a rivalry that won’t end anytime soon. But the Hoos and Hokies do agree this was a big game - not just for bragging rights.

“If we don’t win this game, we don’t have a shot at a bowl,” said UVA fan, Josh Arbaugh.

VT fan,Jeb Arbaugh, added, “It’s a big game for us because if we win, we go to the ACC championship. And if we win that game we go to a BCS bowl.“

It’s a rivalry that can sometimes get downright ugly. To the Hoos, the Hokies are country bumpkins.

“Tipping cows, yeah,” said Kathy Cook. She added UVA fans are, “Professionals, professional people - doctors, lawyers,” she teased.

While Hokies call the Hoos city slickers.

“Wine and cheese. Wine, cheese, ties and khakis, “laughed Kelley Matthew.

But Cook is quick to add, “We’re having a blast. The rivalry’s a blast.“