Tech Triumph

The Virginia Tech fight song was composed in 1919 by Wilfred Pete Maddux (class of 1920) and Mattie Eppes (Boggs).

The song was first performed on Saturday, November 1, 1919, at the Fair Grounds in Lynchburg, before the football game between V.P.I. and Washington and Lee University. According to the report in the Nov. 5, 1919, issue of The Virginia Tech, there were problems with obtaining uniforms for the entire Corps, so only the junior and senior classes, along with the band, were able to attend the game. The cadets arrived by train in Lynchburg at 11:30 a.m. and headed to the Carroll Hotel, which was V.P.I. headquarters. At 1 p.m., the cadets paraded through the streets of Lynchburg, then headed to the car barn to board street cars for the trip to the Fair Grounds.

"On arriving at the grounds, the battalion was formed for the review on the football field. After passing in review before the grandstand, the four companies formed a hollow square with the band in the center, and the band played our new song, 'Tech Triumph.'"

 Techmen, we're Techmen, with spirit true and faithful, Backing up our teams with hopes undying; Techmen, Oh, Techmen, we're out to win today, Showing pep and life with which we're trying; V.P., old V.P., you know our hearts are with you In our luck which never seems to die; Win or lose, we'll greet you with a glad returning, You're the pride of V.P.I. 

 Chorus: Just watch our men so big and active Support the Orange and Maroon. Let's go Techs. We know our ends and backs are stronger, With winning hopes, we fear defeat no longer. To see our team plow through the line, boys. Determined now to win or die: So give a Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi, Rae, Ri, old V.P.I. 

 Second Verse (seldom used) Fight, men, oh, fight, men, we're going to be the champions Adding to our list another victory; Football or baseball, the games in which we star, They're the sports which made old VP famous. Hold'em, just hold'em, you know the Corps' behind you Watching every movement that you make. Winning games was nothing for our teams before you -- Keep the "rep" for VP's sake. 

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