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I'm still making my way through watching the whole #Hokies presser, but this quote from Fuente _really_ stuck out to me.
"Whether it's at Lane Stadium, or on the road, Virginia Tech fans show up to participate and help influence the outcome. And I think that's what we're talking about today. ... Laying out a plan for fans to participate and make a very positive impact on Virginia Tech athletics."
Beyond the compliment, it addresses the disconnect between Fuente's expectations of the fanbase, and the fanbase's. Tech should 100% engage the fanbase for money, but the fanbase isn't just an ATM with vocal cords. It shouldn't be a, we'll call you when we need you relationship.
Moving forward, when able to do so, open up some practices and scrimmages and invite and engage fans. Don't just have a spring game, stream it. Allow the media to report on practice and interact with players and coaches 1:1 so fans can read quality stories about their favorites.
I'll put Hokie Nation up against any other fanbase in the world. They'll show up to games, loudly. And with a plan laid out, they'll open up their wallets. But it has to be a two-way street, every good relationship is.
