American universities which play college football have a long list of notable traditions. The Oklahoma Sooners have a chuckwagon that races across the field after every score. Florida State has a fake Native American chief come out and shed a tear every time someone drops a piece of trash in the stadium. Texas Longhorn fans make finger puppets with their hands. Stanford has a band whose tuba player occasionally attempts to make tackles on the playing field. Auburn has two mascots because…well…I don’t know why they have two mascots.
My alma mater, Virginia Tech, has a few traditions as well. One such tradition dictates what we as fans should do when the opposing team faces third down. Such a third down is designated as a “key play”. I don’t believe the tradition originated at Virginia Tech, but at this time there is no one willing to come forward and take credit for it.
Anyway, at this “key” time in the game, the crowd is encouraged to take their keys (“keys”, see?) out of their pockets and shake them to scare the other team into submission. Because there is nothing…and I mean nothing… that strikes bloodcurdling terror into the hearts of men more than the sound of
jinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingle.
Absolutely terrifying!! Even more terrifying . . .the sound of grass growing. Funny stuff Richard!
I think this is a fun tradition and a lot less pompous than having two mascots or Chief with the tears. Um. I think you are mixing up your Indian Chiefs but we shall let that go. As always, a very fun read!
It DOES sound rather hokey, even for a Hokie!