BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSLS10) — Fans flock to Blacksburg Saturday, to watch a moment in Hokie history, as the legendary head coach Frank Beamer makes his last coaching debut at Lane Stadium.
Beamer announced in November that this season will be his last. As Virginia Tech's head coach, Beamer is ending a 29-year run in Blacksburg, Virginia, that made Beamer Ball synonymous with winning.
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"I have always said that I want what is best for Virginia Tech," Beamer said in a statement. "Because of my love and passion for this great university, this program and our tremendous fans, I have decided after 29 years that it's time."
The 69-year-old is the winningest active major college football coach with 277 victories. He is 235-120-2 since taking over at Virginia Tech in 1987, when he drew laughter by saying the Hokies could win a national championship by focusing on recruiting in Virginia.
They came close when quarterback Michael Vick, from Newport News, led the Hokies to the 1999 national championship game.
Beamer led the Hokies to seven conference titles, four in the Atlantic Coast Conference and three in the Big East, plus eight BCS bowl games. During his tenure, the program has also vastly expanded Lane Stadium to its current capacity of 65,632, built a new locker room, weight room and lounge area for the football team and, this year, opened an indoor practice facility.
"I will be forever grateful to everyone who made these past three decades the best years of my life," Beamer said.
"I was going to wait until the end of the season to make this announcement, but I've always believed in being open and honest with my players and coaches," Beamer said.
Social media is filled with #ThanksFrank, #Beamerball, #HokieNation hashtag tweets and an outpouring of support from loyal fans that Frank Beamer has gained over his 29-year-career coaching at Virginia Tech.
So many memories in @LaneStadium. Hokie Nation thanks to you Frank Beamer! #Hokies #ThanksFrank pic.twitter.com/mHp8cxv4ZV
— Hokie Huddle Podcast (@HokieHuddle) November 21, 2015
Hard to think of virginia tech without beamer #ThanksFrank
— Jeff Bailey (@jbailey4120) November 21, 2015
We're open, #Hokies. Stop by and see us to be sure you look your best for Frank's last home game! #ThanksFrank
— Alumni Hall VT (@AlumniHallVT) November 21, 2015
It's a beautiful day for football in Blacksburg. Time to rock Lane for Frank one last time. #ThanksFrank #startjumping #GoHokies
— Tim Hogan (@hokiedad55) November 21, 2015
His tenure has even overwhelming gained the respect of his competitors.
"I have nothing but respect for coach Beamer and his accomplishments," Cavaliers coach Mike London said in a statement. "His longevity and influences in the game of football are outstanding. I have gotten to know him personally and know him to be a good man."
Beamer's best teams excelled on special teams and defense. Blocked kicks and return touchdowns were the specialty and were the calling cards of Beamer Ball. Under Beamer, Lane Stadium in Blacksburg became one of the toughest venues in college football for visiting teams.
Beamer has said he would like his replacement to come from within his staff, but before this season indicated he planned to have no involvement in the process.
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AP college football writer Ralph D. Russo contributed from New York.