Frank Beamer took the Lane Stadium field for the first time as Virginia Tech head coach on Sept. 26, 1987, suffering a 22-10 loss to eventual 11-game winner, Syracuse. Twenty-nine years after he departed Murray State to lead his alma mater, the 69-year-old living legend will coach his final game at Lane Stadium when the Hokies host North Carolina on Saturday.
Beamer announced his resignation earlier this month, saying he would step down at the end of the 2015 season after an illustrious coaching career that included 12 double-digit-win season and 22 straight bowl appearances. The former Virginia Tech cornerback (1966-68) has coached hundreds of student-athletes and worked with dozens of coaches, trainers, student assistants and other staff over the last three decades.
The program and fans will honor Beamer with numerous tributes on Saturday and over the final days of his career and although every tribute is special, the messages of appreciation from those whom he led are particularly special.
Here are some of his former players, coaches and others saying thank you:
