Go Tech Go, Part 61: ACC Expansion Process Begins

2016.09.24. East Carolina (ECU, Pirates) at Virginia Tech (Hokies). Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

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While the Hokies did not bring home the National Championship trophy on January 4, 2000, the night was not a total loss. The Hokies’ presence in the title game was so bright, officials from the Atlantic Coast Conference could not help but squint from the glare.

“I remember being invited up to the hospitality room in the Superdome by ACC Commissioner John Swofford,” said sports television executive Ken Haines, who served as Virginia Tech’s university spokesman and liaison to the athletics department from 1970-82, and radio network analyst from 1974-82. “Paul Torgersen (Virginia Tech’s 14th president) and Charles Steger (Virginia Tech’s 15th president) were there. We all talked about the possibility of Virginia Tech joining the ACC. Torgersen thought it was ‘another wild goose chase.’ I said, ‘No, Paul, I think this is for real.’

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