Beamer has made Hokies a national power

Virginia Tech is a prime example of how vision and coaching can close the gaps on traditional powers.

Originally Published: October 5, 2005
By Beano Cook | ESPN Insider
Virginia Polytechnic Institute used to be VPI. Now it's known as Virginia Tech.

Maybe the powers that be felt Virginia Tech had a better ring to it. Or maybe they wanted to become high class and raise tuition. Or maybe they didn't want to be confused with VMI.

Regardless, Virginia Tech has had no trouble creating a new identity, thanks in a large part to the Hokies' football program.


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Beano Cook

College Football
Carroll H. "Beano" Cook joined ESPN in March 1986 and served as a college football studio commentator and occasional sideline reporter, in addition to offering college football commentary on ESPN Radio. He died in October 2012.

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