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Paul Petera

My first game as a student was Coach Beamer’s first game as Virginia Tech’s head football coach, I graduated in 1991 and have had season tickets ever since.

I’m a native of Mechanicsville, Virginia, but have spent the past two decades all over the US during my career in financial services. I currently live in Bryan/College Station, TX with my wife and daughter. 

On the side, I’ve written extensively for numerous publications including BaseballHQ.com, USA Today’s Sports Weekly, CBS Sports.com and ESPN The Magazine over the past 20 years, and I just wrote a book as well. I’m happy to be a columnist here at Sons of Saturday.

graduation ‘91, Business Management
iconmonstr-location-pin-thin College Station, TX
FSU Tyrod and Frank
Football

The Day the Hokies Finally Beat Bobby Bowden

Frank Beamer leaned on true freshman Tyrod Taylor and a stellar defense to finally beat Bobby Bowden in 2007.

By Paul Petera | November 11, 2025
Louisville Ticket Stub
Football

Full Circle Moment: Jeff Brohm's Cardinals Finally Return to Blacksburg

Louisville returns to Blacksburg for the first time since 1991, a full-circle moment for head coach Jeff Brohm, who was the Cardinals’ quarterback back then. Explore the rare history between Virginia Tech and…

By Paul Petera | October 30, 2025
Cal celebrate
Football

One Hot Mess: Revisiting a Wild 2003 Season & Insight Bowl vs Cal

Virginia Tech and Cal face each other for just the second time ever on Friday night, and the first time since the Insight Bowl in Phoenix 22 years ago. The game served as a coming out party for a young Aaron…

By Paul Petera | October 22, 2025
GT Glennon07
Football

Battle of the Techs Has Been a Crazy Series

Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech have packed a ton of memories into a short 20-game football rivalry.

By Paul Petera | October 07, 2025
Jaylin Lane Wake 2023
Football

Hokies vs Deacons: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Virginia Tech-Wake Forest series has given us stellar defense, big plays and a meme for the ages.

By Paul Petera | September 30, 2025
Chris Kinzer's last second 40-yard field goal gave the Hokies their first-ever bowl win
Alumni

Memories Aplenty in Hokies-Wolfpack Series

The Virginia Tech-NC State series has been an entertaining one. The teams have played 13 times since 1986, with nine of the games settled by one score.

By Paul Petera | September 23, 2025
A coach's podium with a Virginia Tech logo background
Football

New Approach Needed for Tech's Next Football Coach

Virginia Tech's next football coach must be equipped to run a different program than what has worked in the past.

By Paul Petera | September 19, 2025
Screenshot 2025 08 25 at 9 59 51 PM
Alumni

The Hire That Changed College Football Forever: Dutch Baughman, Frank Beamer and a Lasting Legacy

Believing in the power of good people, Hokies Athletic Director "Dutch" Baughman made a hire that would change Virginia Tech forever, and alter college football beyond his wildest…

By Paul Petera | August 26, 2025