Virginia Tech is here in Columbus, Ohio, for the NCAA tournament. For the sake of Tech’s cheeleaders, let’s hope the Hokey-Pokey goes over better here than at last week’s ACC tournament in Tampa, Fla.
The Hokies cheeleaders, in a long line across the court with arms around shoulders, did the Hokey-Pokey - “put the left foot out,” etc. - and the slowish dance drew the biggest boo of the tournament inside the St. Pete Times Forum.
It’s rainy, cold and windy in Columbus. Tech is scheduled to practice late Thursday in preparation for Friday night’s game vs. Illinois, a program that’s accustomed to advancing in the national tournament. The Illini have won their last nine NCAA tournament first-round games (1998-2006).