Traditional Virginia Tech Songs and Cheers
Virginia Tech has several songs and cheers that were written by students and alumni to help celebrate their Hokie Pride.
Tech Triumph - Download MP3 (1 MB)
The university fight song was composed in 1919 by Wilfred P. Maddux (class of 1920) and Mattie Eppes (Boggs).
Verse:
Techmen, we're Techmen, with spirit true and faithful,
Backing up our teams with hopes undying;
Techmen, Oh, Techmen, we're out to win today,
Showing pep and life with which we're trying;
V.P., old V.P., you know our hearts are with you
In our luck which never seems to die;
Win or lose, we'll greet you with a glad returning,
You're the pride of V.P.I.
Chorus:
Just watch our men so big and active
Support the Orange and Maroon. Let's go Techs.
We know our ends and backs are stronger,
With winning hopes, we fear defeat no longer.
To see our team plow through the line, boys.
Determined now to win or die:
So give a Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi,
Rae, Ri, old V.P.I.
Second Verse (seldom used):
Fight, men, oh, fight, men, we're going to be the champions
Adding to our list another victory;
Football or baseball, the games in which we star,
They're the sports which made old VP famous.
Hold'em, just hold'em, you know the Corps' behind you
Watching every movement that you make.
Winning games was nothing for our teams before you --
Keep the "rep" for VP's sake.
VPI Victory March - Download MP3 (1 MB)
The VPI Victory March is used in sporting events. Composed by C.D. Steinweddel (class of 1943), the lyrics were revised in 2000 to include traditional rival sports teams.
Verse:
You have seen the Mountaineers fumble,
You've been in the Hurricane's eye,
And you know 'ole Syracuse
Has learned the force of Hokie-Hi.
Worthy teams from all around
Like Hoos from U.Va.
Know a winning team awaits them;
That victory is ours today!
Break Strain:
GO TECH!
GO TECH!
H-O-K-I-E-S Hokies!
Virginia Tech Alma Mater
The current alma mater was composed by E.T. Sparks (class of 1940) and L.G. Chase (class of 1941) for a student contest held in the spring of 1939.
Verse:
Sing praise to Alma Mater dear,
For VPI we'll ever cheer;
Come lift your voices, swell the song,
Our loyalties to her belong.
Chorus:
So stand and sing, all hail to thee.
VT, all hail to thee.
Verse:
The Orange and Maroon you see,
That's fighting on to victory;
Our strife will not be long this day,
For glory lies within this fray.
Verse:
All loyal sons and daughters, one,
Wee raise our banner to the sun;
Our motto brings a spirit true,
That we may ever serve you.
Hokie Pokie - Download MP3 (1 MB)
At home football games, the tuba players traditionally get in a line and lead the crowd in the Hokie Pokie during the break between the third and fourth quarters.
Old Hokie
The origin of the word "Hokie" has nothing to do with a turkey. It was coined by O. M. Stull (class of 1896), who used it in a spirit yell he wrote for a competition. Stull won the $5 top prize for his cheer, now known as Old Hokie:
Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi!
Tech, Tech, VPI
Sol-a-rex, Sol-a-rah
Poly Tech Vir-gin-i-a
Ray, Rah, VPI
Team! Team! Team!
Visit the Alumni Association website for more information about Virginia Tech traditions.