What’s not so difficult is remembering exactly when I realized what the VT vs. UVA rivalry was all about.
1995 Tech vs. UVA.
Jim Druckenmiller had just completed one of the most famous touchdown passes in Tech history to Jermaine Holmes on the best pump-and-go route I have ever seen. Tech was up 30-29 and UVA was trying to get into field goal range for the win. With time running down on the clock, UVA lined up for one last play before trotting the field goal team out. UVA QB, Mike Groh (son of now UVA head coach Al Groh) put a 7-yard out pattern pass right into the waiting arms of Tech cornerback Antonio Banks. In a regular game against a normal opponent, Banks would have most likely taken a knee and allowed the Tech offense to run out the clock. But this was UVA. Banks started down the sideline with a clear path to the endzone. It was at that moment that UVA assistant head trainer Joe Gieck moved toward the field and stuck out his foot in a lame, but all too obvious attempt to trip up Banks. Un-phased by Gieck, Banks flew down the sideline and scored the touchdown to seal the victory for the Hokies.
The video was plastered on every sports channel and TV station for the rest of the weekend. When you are a 12 year old boy, things like that stick in your head. Just like the black stuff from Oreo’s gets stuck in your teeth.
