Virginia Tech guard gives free mini statues at events, becomes a campus celebrity

Bryan Newton started making tiny rhino statuettes almost as a side project — a creative answer to a simple problem: how to make long shifts at Virginia Tech’s Center for the Performing Arts more entertaining. What began as a playful giveaway for coworkers has turned into a campus favorite, with 3D-printed mini rhinos appearing at concerts, ballets, wrestling matches and holiday shows across Blacksburg.

The figures aren’t just trinkets. They’ve become small, tangible symbols of Virginia Tech pride, handed out at the door and eagerly searched for by regular attendees. For Newton, who works security for Rhino Sports and Entertainment Services and who once managed the Marching Virginians, the hobby ties together his love of the school, hands-on creativity, and the unpredictable pulse of live events.

From a guessing game to custom trophies: how the tradition began

The tradition traces back to a simple staff game used to pass the time during shifts: everyone guessed the night’s attendance, and the closest estimate without going over won a prize. At first coworkers brought in random items, but Newton had a more personal solution. Owning a 3-D printer and a longtime knack for design, he started producing small rhino figurines to serve as consistent, themed rewards.

Why a rhino?

The rhino motif connects to the workplace — Rhino Sports and Entertainment Services — and to a larger campus spirit. Newton’s designs are playful nods to the events themselves, and the mascots hold a charm that keeps patrons and staff looking forward to discovering which miniature will appear each night.

Design, printing and finishing: the creative process behind each mini statue

Newton treats each piece like a tiny sculpture rather than a mass-produced giveaway. His workflow often follows these stages:

• Concept and theme selection — matching the piece to the show (wrestling, dance, holiday special, etc.).
• 3D modeling and printer setup — preparing files and materials for the print run.
• Printing — some figures are quick, others require multiple runs and can take many hours.
• Post-processing — sanding, painting, and adding small costume details like hoodies or hats.

Some statuettes can be completed in a few hours, but others are true labor-of-love projects that take up to 12 hours when layers, supports and fine finishing are factored in. Newton sometimes adds tiny painted costumes or seasonal accessories so that each rhino feels tailor-made for the night’s audience.

Examples of standout rhino designs and the shows that inspired them

Over the years, Newton has developed a wide variety of miniatures to reflect the eclectic programming at the performance hall. Notable examples include:

• Warrior rhino — created for a wrestling event and posed with a combative stance.
• Dancing rhino — a graceful figure for contemporary dance performances, often with an animated, mid-step pose.
• Holiday editions — rhinos sporting witch hats at Halloween or bunny ears at Easter.
• College spirit rhinos — tiny hoodies or scarves in Virginia Tech maroon and orange for big school events.

These small touches make the figures collectible in a low-stakes, affectionate way. Patrons who attend frequently know to glance for the statuettes near the turnstiles on performance nights.

How winners are chosen and why people care

The give-away ties into the staff’s attendance-guessing game, modeled on “The Price Is Right” rules: team members guess how many people will be scanned for that performance, and the nearest guess without exceeding the total wins the prize. The statuettes are usually staged where patrons file into the hall, which has helped build a bit of anticipation.

The prize is simple but meaningful — a small, handmade token of the night that carries both novelty and a sense of community. For attendees, it’s less about value and more about the experience: discovering an unexpected piece of art that commemorates the show they just attended.

From college band manager to campus craftsman: Newton’s background and motivation

Newton’s creative streak goes back decades; he managed the Marching Virginians while in college and later stayed connected to campus life through his security work. He credits the variety of events at the Center for Performing Arts — from raucous rock concerts to delicate ballets — for keeping his creative impulses active. Making the mini rhinos lets him combine practical skills, like 3D modeling and finishing, with a desire to give something back to his community.

The personal payoff

For Newton, the process is rewarding in ways beyond applause. He describes the work as a form of outreach: the time spent designing and executing each piece is an opportunity to connect with the venue’s audience and to add a small, joyful moment to someone’s evening. “It brings joy,” he says — a short statement that captures why a handful of small plastic rhinos can mean so much to a campus where traditions matter.

What the mini rhinos represent for Virginia Tech fans and staff

What started as a morale booster among coworkers has turned into a recognizable part of the performance-hall culture. The mini-statues function as:

• Conversation starters for first-time visitors.
• Collectible curiosities for repeat attendees.
• Visible signs of school spirit for the Rhodes and staff who stage events.

Over time, the rhinos have become more than giveaways: they’re tiny, bespoke reminders of shared experiences — each horn pointing back to a night of live music, dance or theater in Blacksburg.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.