The First Tailgate!

NOTICE: We now own a new domain name - www.thehokiehoopty.com. So, this blog can be reached by using the original blogspot address or the simpler new domain name. The new name makes it easier for us to tell people how to find us.

DISCLAIMER: The intent of this blog is to track the conception, birth, and life of The Hokie Hoopty. It is not meant to document the specific reasons that the Hoopty is deployed and as such, I am currently unable and unwilling to discuss the series of unfortunate events that were collectively know as the Miami game. I need to move on to happy thoughts......


Although the Hoopty was still in its pre-conversion condition and despite the fact that it didn't pass inspection in time, it was important for the Hoopty to make its inaugural trip from Lynchburg to Blacksburg. A large percentage of the entire Hokie Hoopty Crew was gathering for a couple days of relaxation and tailgating bliss and we wanted.....no...we needed the Hoopty with us. Additionally, there was an opportunity for a surprise visit that would mark the beginning of the Hoopty legend.

First things first. I needed to get a little identification on the bus to let people know that we weren't just a bunch of weirdos driving around for no reason in an old school bus. A $3 stencil kit and some maroon paint and the world could clearly see that we're a bunch of weirdos driving around in an old school bus with a very specific reason. "The Hokie Hoopty" was born.



A couple standard Tech magnets and we were road-ready.

Prior to the tailgate, Hoopty Crew members J-Rock (Jeanell) and Smellin' Ellen did a little creative pumpkin carving.......











....while Bretter got in some "exercise".













Loading all of the supplies was still a bit of a challenge even with all of the storage room in the back of the Hoopty. I guess eight pumpkins, three coolers, two totes, two ez-ups, ten or twelve chairs, one astro-turf rug, three folding tables, two grills, one radio, and several bags of food and miscellany tend to take up quite a bit of space.

Once on campus we had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities associated with ESPN Gameday.





Momma (Cathy) gets up close and personal with the love of her life (or at least the love of that particular moment).



Smellin' Ellen, Chicken Janet, and J-Rock soak up the Gameday glory.






Rob (or is it Brat Danglefar?) shows off his new doo.
But let's face it. The real fun comes when the tailgating begins.

SmoothWalker (Steve) and Colette (you really need to do something bizarre so we can land a good nickname for you) contemplate the many mysteries of life and modern brewing technology while relaxing on the "turf"

Dr. Shi-Teatows (Lance) and Brother Brandon (not that kind of Brother - note the whiskey on the rocks) also enjoy some turf time while trying to determine the easiest and quickest way to locate counterfeit tickets to buy (and subsequently cause the expulsion of two crew members from the game - thanks, you counterfeiting -lowlife -out -of -town -piece -of-crap-standing-at-the-corner-of-washington- and -kent -with -a -hat -and -dreads -poking -out -scalping -bastard).

Travis you must be camera shy - no pictures of your ugly mug.


...and now for something completely different (the big news you've all been waiting for).....

One of the main reasons for bringing the pre-conversion Hoopty out into the public was the fact that through a somewhat strange turn of events that included emails with the legendary Bill Roth, we were asked to be a part of an episode of next year's Roth Report. It all started with a request by Professor Frazier to Bill Roth asking him to be our horn. Or more precisely, to ask if we could use his world renowned call "TOUCHDOWN TECH! as part of the Hoopty's PA/horn system. Now, if you don't know who Bill Roth is, shame on you. Bill Roth is The Voice of The Hokies and you can find out more about him here. The result of all this horn-requesting is that WSLS (the local Roanoke tv station) wants to film the Hoopty three times - before, during, and after the conversion. Fame has found us, now about that fortune thing......

Here is the venerable Prof. Frazier (or Dr. or just plain Chip) espousing the virtues of cold -fusion -based -nano -fibrous -wood -adhesion techniques and their particular applications associated with Hoopty conversions. Scott and the rest of the WSLS crew try to look interested when they're really thinking about going back for seconds on the shrimp and filet mignon.

Ultimately several of the Hoopty Crew were interviewed about our hopes and dreams for this humble bus. Some were also interviewed regarding the game itself and they showed up on the Sunday Roth Report with their incredibly wrong predictions.

Colette, Jeanell, and Cathy gave a whoop and holler and made their way onto the show. Scott, where are the royalty checks?



Let's not forget about our favorite tailgater - Mom (not to be confused with Momma) looking happy with the Frazier clan. Mom you have to lay off of those jello shooters.


The marching band was so moved by the presence of the Hoopty, they felt compelled to serenade it.


And so ends another tailgate. It wasn't perfect - highs and lows, but it was a pretty good break from our so-called real life. You roll with the punches, grab the fame when you can, laugh as much as possible, spend time with the people you love, and when it's all said and done - shave off the remnants of the party and try to act serious until the next tailgate.


Tanya, Alice, and Bob we missed you guys.