Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - Wes Worsham, the devoted Virginia Tech supporter whose name adorns the playing surface at Lane Stadium, passed away Tuesday at the age of 93.
For more than three decades, Hokies football has been played on Worsham Field, a tribute to the generosity and passion Worsham and his wife, Janet, showed toward Virginia Tech and its student-athletes. The playing surface at Lane Stadium was named in his honor in 1992 following a major gift to the athletics program.
Often described as one of the program’s most loyal supporters, Worsham backed his enthusiasm with lasting contributions.
A native of Virginia’s Northern Neck, Worsham built a successful career in the fire protection and sprinkler industry, eventually founding a thriving business that served clients throughout the region. His professional success allowed him to give generously to causes he cared about most, including Virginia Tech and its student-athletes.
Though he did not attend Virginia Tech himself, Worsham developed a deep and lasting connection to the Hokies and became one of the program’s most devoted followers and fans.
Before his decades of support for Tech, Worsham served his country during the Korean War, where he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for more than three months, an experience that reflected the resilience and character he carried throughout his life.
Worsham was a familiar and beloved presence around the football program for decades. Known for his distinctive gameday attire — a maroon Virginia Tech hat and blazer, Hokies-themed tie and custom khaki pants embroidered with HokieBirds — he became one of the most recognizable figures on the sidelines at Lane Stadium and at road venues across the country.
His support for the Hokies was rooted in loyalty and personal relationships. Worsham developed close bonds with multiple Virginia Tech coaches, including Bill Dooley and Frank Beamer. He remained a constant presence around the program, traveling with the team, spending time on the sideline and hosting family members and friends at games for many years.
Though his name has long been part of one of college football’s most recognizable venues, Worsham’s legacy extends far beyond the playing surface. For decades, he embodied the loyalty, generosity and passion that define Hokie Nation.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Civil Rights Compliance at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573