Virginia Tech to wear special uniforms in final 2 regular season games (Photos)
Virginia Tech will wear special uniforms for the final two regular season games of the Frank Beamer era.
The program announced Monday morning that the Hokies will go with an all-black combination with orange numbers for Saturday’s home game against North Carolina.
Here’s what the black combination looks like:
As you can see, the black helmets have the VT logo on one side and No. 25 on the other side, representing the number Beamer wore during his time as a Virginia Tech cornerback in late 1960’s. Beamer, who announced his retirement earlier this month, had his number retired in 2002.
“My goals for these players have been the same for decades,” Beamer said in a release. “I want them to get a quality education, have a positive experience and mature as people in our program. This has been a very responsible group that has worked extremely hard. They haven’t asked me for one thing this season. When they approached me and asked to wear the black uniforms for our final home game, I had no problem with it. If it makes it more fun for them, I’m good with it.”
Saturday marks Beamer’s 180th and final game as head coach at Lane Stadium. To the players, the uniforms will make it even more special.
“We’ve been waiting all season for a chance to wear these uniforms,” said defensive end Ken Ekanem. “This is a perfect time. They’re special uniforms, and with this being Coach Beamer’s final home game it’s going to be a special day.”
Added fullback Sam Rogers: “The look is pretty awesome. The guys like it and the team is pretty excited about it.”
Additionally, the team will wear a “retro road look” for the Nov. 28 game at Virginia. The retro look will have “a maroon helmet, white jersey and maroon pants” to replicate the Hokies’ road uniforms from 1987 – Beamer’s first season as head coach.
The full retro combination hasn’t been released yet, but here’s how the old school helmet will look:
The team also will continue wearing the Beamer helmet decals it debuted last week in a win over Georgia Tech.
On top of that, the school said the 25-yard lines on Worsham Field will “receive symbolic treatment for Saturday’s game” to honor Beamer, whose signature will appear on the field.
The Hokies improved to 5-5 by beating Georgia Tech last Thursday and can clinch bowl eligibility by beating either the Tar Heels (9-1) or Cavaliers (3-7). Tech has played in a bowl game in 22 consecutive seasons, dating back to 1993.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
