Beginning in the fall of 2011 Virginia Wesleyan will have its very own fight song
By Leona Baker | June 9, 2011
“One of the things I’ve always wanted since I got here 17 years ago was a fight song,” VWC Athletic Director Joanne Renn told a small but enthusiastic group gathered in the lobby of Godwin Hall on May 17.
With that, she lifted her flute, gave the crowd a G and launched into a spirited a capella version of “On, Virginia Wesleyan!,” the College’s newly unveiled musical motivation. The assembled chorus of students, faculty and staff sang along with freshly printed cheat sheets in hand.
“Vee-dub, vee-dub, fight, fight, fight!” they chanted, “Wesleyan do or die!”
Renn co-wrote the fight song with veteran area sports announcer Bill Bishop.
“He and I have been friends forever,” Renn said. “I saw him at an ODU basketball game and he said, ‘Does Wesleyan have a fight song?’ I said no, and he said, ‘Well, we need to write one.’ Literally in 10 minutes he wrote the music and I wrote some lyrics. He is so talented and has that God-given gift of musicality.”
The rest will soon be history. A recorded instrumental version of the catchy new tune, complete with introductory drum cadence, will be ready for prime time as of fall semester and available for use at home and away games and other VWC events.
“Every school needs a great fight song,” said President Billy Greer. “We’ve always had the Marlin spirit, but this is going to bring the excitement to a new level. I think our student athletes and fans are going to be thrilled with it.”
On, Virginia Wesleyan!
On Virginia Wesleyan, on to victory
Let’s go get ’em, Wesleyan, let’s make history
We’re behind you, Marlins, as we raise our voices high
M-A-R-L-I-N-S, Wesleyan do or die
Vee-dub, vee-dub, fight, fight, fight
Wesleyan do or die!
Fight blue Marlins, ’til we win, pride will soon prevail
Fear the fish is what we shout, we will never fail
Blue and silver lead the way, our colors never run
M-A-R-L-I-N-S, Wesleyan number one
Vee-dub, vee-dub, fight, fight, fight
Wesleyan number one!
{flv}vwc_fightsong{/flv}