Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Hokie football team to highlight the colors at Virginia game

From left to right are Cadets Keith Himmelberger, Alexander Zuchowicz, and Matthew Gurski

From left to right are Cadets Keith Himmelberger, Alexander Zuchowicz, and Matthew Gurski

BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 24, 2010 – The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets continues to partner with the Virginia Tech Football Team to highlight the colors during the pre-game ceremony at every football game.

Three football players are selected, because of their performance in the last game or during practice, to carry the American flag, the state flag, and the team’s spirit flag as they lead the team onto the field. They carry the flags the length of the field and deliver them to cadets that are waiting for them on the south goal line.

The cadets performing this honor are also selected based on their performance during their training. The cadets render honor to the flags and then securely carry them off the field. At home games three freshman cadets are selected and one or two upper-class cadets receive the flags at away games.

Three freshman cadets from the Highty-Tighties, the Regimental Band, were selected based on their outstanding performance for this honor at the University of Virginia game.

Cadet Matthew Gurski of Sterling, Va., a freshman majoring in general engineering in the College of Engineering who is a member of the Civilian Track program and is a recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Gurski was selected for constantly striving to exceed the standards and for consistently motivating and unifying his fellow freshmen in Band Company.

Cadet Keith Himmelberger of Sterling, Va., a freshman majoring in finance in the Pamplin College of Business who is a member of Air Force ROTC and is a recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Himmelberger was selected for his dedicated efforts in successfully organizing and leading the painting of the Highty-Tighty practice field each week. 

Cadet Alexander Zuchowicz of Yorktown, Va., a freshman majoring in university studies who is a member of the Civilian Track program. Zuchowicz was selected for performing to a very high standard, always having an outstanding room and uniform. In addition, he has been able to successfully balance his challenging biochemistry classes with his corps and band responsibilities.

Future cadets will continue to be selected for this honor based on their performance in the cadet regiment.  The program is part of the proud partnership the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has with the Virginia Tech Athletic Department and the Virginia Tech football team. 

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has produced military, public, and corporate leaders since the university was founded in 1872. It is one of just two military corps within a large public university. The corps holds its members to the highest standards of loyalty, honor, integrity, and self-discipline. In return, cadets achieve high academic success and a long-lasting camaraderie with fellow members. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.