Timeout

College football is no longer exciting for me. The Bowl Championship Series (BCS), in addition to all the college bowl games that have taken place for the past two weeks, don't have the same substance like before.

At one time in my life, I could actually remember the importance of them, well, most anyway. Now I wouldn't even bother. By today's standards, bowl games are merely a marketing tool for both new and old companies to get their corporate names more visible among citizens. Oh, they'll send out press releases and statements to the media saying they're committed to college excellence and "an assurance that future students will be entitled to a quality education for years to come." That's why it's always "an honor and privilege to be a part of this year's college football season."
What they neglect to tell us is how they're also part of America's pursuit of the bottom-line. For some reason, that part always gets left out. It's not illegal or wrong with what they do. Advertising is an important part of business. Newspapers understand that better than anyone. What bothers me is that they think we don't know any better.

Last week, I put my feelings aside and watched the one game that mattered- to me anyway. It was the Orange Bowl, between Kansas and Virginia Tech. Kansas, known more as a basketball powerhouse, has made significant strides in its football program and has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on defense. Virginia Tech, in its own right, has gotten stronger over the years, particularly on defense, and has vaulted to the top in many categories.

But, from Virginia Tech's point of view, this game meant more. And I don't think I need to remind you why. But, just in case you were out of the country or caught up with the latest trials and tribulations of Paris, Lindsay, Britney or Barry, tragedy hit the Blacksburg campus and sent Virginia Tech reeling.

Thirty-two students and faculty members were killed by a deranged gunman last April. Many were Virginia residents; others were from other parts of the country, such as Otisville, N.Y. That was the hometown of 19-year old Caitlin Hammeren, an engineering student and one of those killed that awful day. Having lived in New York until just recently, I'm quite familiar with Otisville. It's only five minutes away from where I once called home.
I never met Caitlin, nor do I know her family. However, in the aftermath of that unimaginable event, her parents gave an interview with a local newspaper and recalled how wonderfully their daughter spoke of Virginia Tech, how beautiful the area was and how genuine the people were. They were heartwarming to Caitlin, her parents said, and that is something they'll never forget.

Those endearing qualities came out throughout the year, as the Hokies dedicated their season to those who weren't around to cheer them on. During their season opener back in September, the football team released 32 balloons into the Virginia sky in memory of their fallen classmates and teachers. Prayers were said before, during, and after every game. And, in addition to their chores of football, the team banded together and reached out to the local community. As head coach Frank Beamer once said, "It's our way of saying we're here if you need us. We're all in this together."

Virginia Tech entered last week's game with an 11-2 record - one win shy of the school's single-season record. They played a tough game from start to finish, but made some costly turnovers and wound up losing by a field goal. The final score was 24-21. In the stands after the game, fans of Virginia Tech cheered and held signs thanking their team for such a memorable season. In a post game interview, Beamer said he was proud of his players and proud to be a part of Virginia Tech. There's no doubting their messages to one another.

However, something else happened this season that's worth noting. So with all apologies to the Dallas Cowboys, here it goes. Virginia Tech became America's team. More than ever, Virginia Tech jerseys can be seen everywhere. At a Modell's in New York City, it's the hottest selling college jersey. The same goes for a mall near Otisville, where I read Caitlin would spend some of her time with friends. And, here in Virginia, well, you get the point.

A lot of emphasis is placed on winning and losing in sports. While Virginia Tech didn't walk away champions of this year's Orange Bowl, their actions are far greater than any title awarded. And many Americans noticed. There's nothing hokey about that.