The Lunch Pail Defense concept developed by Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster has made the Virginia Tech Hokies legendary. However, most people don’t know how it came about or what it stands for. Pulling from his upbringing in the coal mining areas of Illinois, Foster chose the steel pail as a symbol of the blue collar working-man’s ethic of the Hokie defensive team. The battered pail features the word “WIN” on the front, embodying Foster’s strategy for game play…and for life:

“’W-I-N’ – (What’s Important Now) To make change; to influence; to use this moment to be better than the last; to achieve greatness in all aspects of your life; win at home. Win at school. Win at business. Win at life.”

In the past, the box was filled with the defense’s mission statement, keys to success, and goals. Over time players began adding turf and grass from playing fields where the Hokies reached victory. Following the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech the Lunch Pail held the names of the 32 victims and was carried into Lane Stadium for a home opener.

Hokie fans around the world have since revered the Lunch Pail as a symbol of Virginia Tech spirit, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Coach Bud Foster has chosen to use his success to give back to the community by founding the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation. The purpose of the LPDF is to award scholarships to high school graduates who demonstrate the characteristics symbolized by the Lunch Pail; hard work, character and determination to succeed in all areas of life.

Coach Bud Foster is known for preaching the importance of hard work and dedication on the football field. That commitment transcends the white lines and manifests in the classroom where devotion to scholarship is paramount.

More information about the scholarship and eligibility for the scholarship will be available soon.