A nursing home resident and Virginia Tech enthusiast was surprised by a recent visit with a celebrated football coach from his alma mater. 

The Brandon Oaks Nursing Center, a Virginia-based skilled nursing facility, helped arrange a visit between resident Ed Scruggs and former Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer. 

Scruggs was recently selected as the “Star of the Day” for the month of November at the facility. Through the program, the facility selects a resident and grants them a wishes, allowing them to choose special activities or meals for a day. 

The facility worked with the Roanoke Valley Hokie Club to set up the visit for Scruggs, according to Activities Director Stephen Davis. The coach presented Scruggs with a signed football, honored him in a speech and made the day “memorable” for him. 

Scruggs graduated from Virginia Tech in 1952 and has been a lifelong fan of its football. He and his wife also established the Ed & Barbara Scruggs Tailback Position Scholarship for the team. 

“One thing I loved about it was all the attention that (Scruggs) received, even with someone as legendary as Frank Beamer in the room, they really made (him) feel like he was the star,” Davies said.

And this time it was finally Scruggs being awarded the game ball in the end.