Hokies Return to Football for the First Time Since Campus Tragedy

A Frat Boy News Sports Department Special

Virginia Tech University (compiled by Matthew Smith, AHN)

It wasn't your typical first practice of the new college football season.

For the Virginia Tech football team, it was a challenge of will and a fight to regain some sense of normalcy.

The Hokies returned to the gridiron Thursday for the first time since tragedy struck campus April 16 when a deranged student went on a mass murder rage, taking the lives of 32 students and professors.

In the middle of the practice field was a sign that the Hokies will make their motto for the upcoming season.

"VT: Team United. Strength In Unity."

"Today there was emotion," quarterback Sean Glennon told ESPN.com. "There is no doubt we had extra pep in our step. And that's a good thing.

"I think it's a relief."

Glennon speaks on behalf of the team. In a time when strength and perseverance are of the utmost use, the Hokies are motivated to play for the community of Blacksburg and provide some sense of relief for its people, much like the New Orleans Saints were to their city following Hurricane Katrina.

The Saints' magical 2006 season is well-documented. They finished with one of the best records in football and came within a game of their first Super Bowl appearance.

While the Hokies aren't predicting a Bowl Championship Series berth, the players' spirits are infectious and hopes are high that the team will succeed and move on, gladly embracing the added pressure of giving their fans something to feel good about.

"All of us have to work hard to give this school, give this community, give the alumni something to be proud of," head coach Frank Beamer told ESPN.com. "And that means getting out here and getting a little bit better every day."

Glennon and the team are reminded of the tragedy everyday. Soon enough, he hopes, the focus will shift on football at a university rich with such tradition.

"Football is just a game," Glennon said. "And to be practicing again is great. But there is not going to be anything better for the Blacksburg community than a Virginia Tech football game."

Glennon and the Hokies begin their season Sept. 1, at home, against East Carolina in a nationally televised game.