First-year cadets Avery Criblez, Quinn Mikulski, and Anthony Trout received the flags at Thursday’s football game against Boston College.
The passing of the flags during the pre-game ceremonies was a continuation of the proud partnership between the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and Virginia Tech football to highlight the colors at every football game.
Three football players, chosen because of their performance in the last game or at practice, carried the American flag, the state flag, and the team’s spirit flag and led the team onto the field. They delivered the flags to cadets at the south end of the field.
The cadets, also selected based on their performance in the corps, rendered honors to the flags and carried them off the field. For home games, three first-year cadets are selected, and one or two upper-class cadets travel with the team and receive the flags at away games.
Criblez, from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is in the Marine-Option program in Navy ROTC and majoring in national security and foreign affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Known for her boundless energy and self-discipline, she always steps in to help her fellow first-year cadets in Bravo Company meet room and uniform inspection standards. Her attention to detail and motivation is a driving factor amongst her peers.
Mikulski is in Air Force ROTC and is majoring in general engineering in the College of Engineering. From Medford Lakes, New Jersey, his composure and confidence make him an approachable role model for his fellow first-year cadets. A member of Charlie Company, Mikulski constantly displays a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude.
Trout, from Pembroke, Virginia, is in Navy ROTC and is majoring in political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. A focused student and motivational force for his fellow first-year cadets in Delta Company, he recently spearheaded a service project to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, showing his commitment to the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).