From salutes to sidelines: How a Hokie senior energizes Lane StadiumFrom salutes to sidelines: How a Hokie senior energizes Lane Stadium
Spirit Squads

From salutes to sidelines: How a Hokie senior energizes Lane Stadium

Danny Wells thrives in dual roles as cheer captain and cadet

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When Lane Stadium erupts, the flags wave and Hokie Nation pulses with excitement; few embody the spirit of Virginia Tech like Danny Wells.  

As both the captain of Virginia Tech cheerleading and a dedicated member of the Corps of Cadets, Wells uses his energy to fire up the crowd. He lets his wild side show on the sidelines, blending focused training with spontaneous enthusiasm that gets the fans involved.  

“Being both a Corps member and the captain of the cheer team lets me bring the discipline and pride of the Corps to the energy and excitement of gameday,” Wells explained. “The experiences from each side build on each other and make Virginia Tech feel even more like home.” 

Gameday at Virginia Tech is electric. Fans pack Lane Stadium, routines begin with the Corps’ entrance, and the Hokie community comes alive. For Wells, these moments – rallying fans, running the field – turn gameday into an experience that’s unlike anywhere else. 

His favorite moment: the rush when ‘Enter Sandman’ starts.  

“As soon as ‘Enter Sandman’ starts, I sprint down the tunnel and grab the flag, getting ready for the long run ahead. It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling, especially with the larger flags like the HokieBird flag, which can catch the wind and make the dash across the field even more challenging and exciting.” 

Running with the oversized Virginia Tech flag is no small feat. Whether it’s a windy afternoon or the weight of a three-layered banner, Wells charges through the tunnel and across the field, leading the way as the band blares and the crowd roars.  

Behind his gameday roles, Wells balances many hours of training with academics, including finding time to fight wildland fires as a part-time member of the Mountain Valley Strike Team with the Virginia Department of Forestry. The balance isn't always easy – especially due to the demands of living in a military-style environment – but he believes that they've enabled him to form close-knit friendships.  

“In athletics and in the Corps, we build strong bonds by going through tough situations together. Freshman year in the Corps is especially challenging, as it includes regular training, strict routines and shared hardships. But it’s these experiences that create a unique sense of camaraderie, just like the connection among Hokie fans.”

What makes Danny most proud is gathering with the Corps of Cadets for morning formation and saluting the flag. In that moment, he reflects on all of his hard work, whether in the Corps, in the classroom, or with the cheer team. Each day’s early start serves as a reminder of his dedication and achievements at Virginia Tech. 

But the best part about being a Hokie? For Wells, it's simply the friendships he's made over the course of four years.  

"I don't know where I'd be without my community. They've made me a much better person from all the experiences I've had as a Hokie." 

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Tickets For Troops at Virginia Tech 

Virginia Tech has a deeply rooted military tradition as just one of just two public universities with a full-time Corps of Cadets, including a Tickets for Troops initiative to honor the men and women who bravely serve this country. 

Hokie fans can donate to "Tickets for Troops" and help send a military member to an upcoming home game. Donations may be made in $25 increments, and all donations will be matched by Virginia Tech Athletics to cover the full cost of each ticket provided. 

Tickets will be distributed to veterans and active-duty service members and their families via VetTix.org. Those eligible to receive tickets are encouraged to click here to register.