Roanoke delegate likens convention to football game Gene Marrano July 28, 2016 1 min read He calls it an emotional, uplifting experience akin to his experiences playing major college football at packed stadiums. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with Mike Hamlar at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia: Share: Post navigation Previous: UPDATE: Roanoke police identify officer who died in apparent suicide at police stationNext: AC service calls spike when heat waves strike Related Stories 1 min read Two plays open this weekend; RSO with Beethoven at Jeff Center, artist receptions and the Blue Ridge Potter’s Guild show and sale Gene Marrano November 5, 2025 1 min read Narrow 2023 loss turns into victory for Lily Franklin in Virginia’s 41st District Web Staff November 5, 2025 1 min read McNamara will return to Richmond; says he can work with Democrats Gene Marrano November 5, 2025