Legacies of Lane: The Wileman Family's Hokie Heritage

For local Hokie fans like the Wilemans, Lane Stadium isn't just a place to watch a football game. The experience goes beyond witnessing iconic moments like the 2019 Virginia Tech-North Carolina six-overtime Hokie victory, or Bhayshul Tuten's record 266 yards during Tech's 2024 win over Boston College.  

Lane Stadium, explained by Joseph Randolph (J.R.) Wileman, takes fans on an electrifying adventure unique to any other college football stadium.  

J.R. and Susan Wileman, both Virginia Tech alumni ('86 and '89, respectively), share a deep-rooted connection to the university and its football team. J.R. Wileman grew up in the Blacksburg area, attending games since 1972. He always planned on joining the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, "mostly because the Corps has really cool uniforms," he joked. 

Susan Wileman, a New Jersey native, met and fell in love with the cadet named Joe during her time at Tech, marrying him eight weeks after she graduated with a degree in math and minor in statistics. Both of their children also attended Tech, with their son Joseph Michael (Joe) carrying on his father's legacy in the Corps. 

The Corps of Cadets has not only played a major role in the Wileman's lives – but also in the creation of game day traditions.  

"Back when I was a cadet, we were on the student side, the 40-yard line,” J.R. Wileman reflected. “Tech wasn't the team they are today back then, and sometimes the crowd would get a little quiet, but you could always depend on the Corps to cheer, because the freshmen were required to yell and scream." 

Through his son's time in the Corps, J.R. Wileman has enjoyed seeing traditions like Skipper the Cannon and pushups after scoring continue to help drive excitement at football games, even as the crowds and hype have grown exponentially over the years.  

"We were students during the building years of Tech football," Susan Wileman adds. "Frank Beamer started my sophomore year of Tech. 'Enter Sandman' didn't happen for over another decade. I remember walking up to the ticket booth and the lady saying, ‘well, how many tickets do you want?’ And I said, ‘how many am I allowed to have?’ She replied, 'As many as you want!' Could you imagine that going on today?" 

Coach Beamer did wonders for the team's popularity, Susan Wileman emphasized. As the winningest coach in Virginia Tech history, he guided the Hokies to unprecedented success, including their first-ever national championship game appearance in 1999.  

'Enter Sandman' helped the Hokies "jump" even further into the national spotlight. The Wilemans witnessed the accidental tradition evolve into college football's best entrance, remarking how it used to be cut off before the lyrics actually began. In fact, the two were present when seismic activity was detected during the 2007 home game against ACC rival Miami (Fla.).  

"Logan Thomas was trying to score," Susan Wileman recalled. "Someone in the booth, who was in their last year, started playing 'Enter Sandman' right before his crucial play. When he made the play, the stadium erupted with such intensity that we hit the Richter scale, like the energy during the recent Metallica concert. My son, who was a freshman at the time, even had the Richter scale moment displayed in his classroom." 

When asked to describe the experience of 'Enter Sandman', J.R. Wileman used the words "intimidating", "deafening", and summed it up as "66,000 people all coming together and doing the exact same thing at the exact same time with a massive amount of enthusiasm."  

"Our son was the first graduating class that had 'Enter Sandman' incorporated into the graduation ceremony," Susan Wileman said. "It's become ingrained in the entire Virginia Tech culture. It's associated with Hokie Nation, and us as a family." 

The couple have been season ticket holders since 2011, a testament to Lane Stadium's appealing gameday atmosphere, even after their daughter Jessica graduated in 2019. Many moments stand out from their decades as dedicated fans. 

In particular, the iconic 2018 Commonwealth Clash, which was also the 100th meeting of in-state rivals Virginia Tech and Virginia, proved memorable. The entire Wileman family sat mesmerized in the stands as the back-and-forth contest went into overtime – with Virginia seemingly the clear winner – until a fumble by Virginia's quarterback led to a most unlikely Virginia Tech victory. 

"Instantaneously, Hokies flooded the field," Susan Wileman described. "My family exploded in utter elation and celebration. We hugged and high-fived every Hokie within reach. The celebration lasted for hours that night and into the week, but the winning feeling, made infinitely better since we were all together, will last forever. It was truly a fantastic event and camaraderie I will always cherish." 

For the Wilemans, Lane Stadium symbolizes so much more than just exciting football games. It's home, it's tradition and it's a place where memories continue to be made.  

"It just seems to be the thing that alumni can rally around," J.R. Wileman said. "From the moment you get here Friday night until the moment you have to leave because of work on Monday, it's an experience like no other." 

Legacies of Lane Campaign  

Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating Lane Stadium through the eyes of those who know it best — the fans. Over the course of the summer, Tech will spotlight Hokie fans and their favorite game day memories, capturing the passion, pride, and tradition that define the Virginia Tech experience. Fans can share their stories for a chance to be featured. 

As the memories that define Lane Stadium are honored, there’s no better time to create new ones. Whether it’s a fans' first time in the stands or hundredth, the 2025 season is a chance to be part of the next chapter in Hokie history. Don’t miss a moment — use the virtual ticket assistant to see which ticket package is best for you.