It is loud, and it might be rowdy. But it is also home to one of college football’s most loyal fan bases. And that is the Lane Stadium, where over 65,000 Hokies come alive every game day. In 2007, it was even voted as the second scariest place to play by ESPN. Since 1892, the Hokies have had over 700 wins, earned 11 conference titles, and played in 33 bowl games. Let’s not forget that legendary 27-year bowl streak from 1993 to 2019.
Through all the trophies and touchdowns, one feathered figure has been flapping alongside this legacy. But from the sidelines. And that is none other than the Virginia Tech Mascot, the HokieBird.
What Is the Virginia Tech Mascot?
Virginia Tech’s mascot is the HokieBird, which is technically a turkey. And it is no ordinary turkey. Long before the maroon and orange became iconic, Virginia Tech’s teams were called everything from the “Chappies” to the “Techmen” to the “Gobblers.”
In fact, the name Gobblers stuck around for a long time. This nickname was given to the team because of how fast the student-athletes devoured their food. The cafeteria table became the birthplace of a mascot legacy.
Then came Floyd Meade, the original hype man. He took the “Gobblers” theme and ran with it. Meade trained real turkeys to flap, gobble, and strut on a leash during games in the 1910s. Real turkeys were showing up to college football games, and no doubt, it got the crowd hyped. The Gobbler’s name took hold. By 1912, it was official.
Newspaper clippings from 1922 refer to Virginia Tech’s squad as the “Gobblers,” proudly prepping for a “Turkey Day battle.” The bird had become a tradition that was a part of the Virginia culture. But how did it go from Gobblers to Hokies, then?
Why Was the Virginia Tech Mascot a HokieBird?
Well, the Hokiebird came before the Gobblers. In 1896, the school changed its name from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College to Virginia Polytechnic Institute. With the rebrand came a new cheer. A contest was held. And senior O.M. Stull walked away the winner for creating “The Old Hokie.” There’s something even better about this.
The word “Hokie” means absolutely nothing. Stull just made it up. But it hit. It was not long after that “Hokie” became shorthand for anyone who lived and breathed Virginia Tech. And with that rise, the mascot followed suit. The turkey-inspired Gobbler morphed into something bigger, bolder, and sassier. Thus, the HokieBird was born.
KEEP READING: History of the Miami Hurricanes Mascot
A color committee chose the colors in 1896. They picked the combo because it was simply unique. They were ahead of the branding game. Virginia Tech is the only NCAA Division I school with the “Hokies” nickname today.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
