The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA- Finding time to speak with someone who is on the quest of a baseball state championship can be challenging, but Alleghany’s Garrett Via accommodated nicely recently.
The record holding, uber talented Via is headed to VMI to play Division-1, FCS football, his other sport of choice.
Via, who is currently preparing for a state baseball semifinal matchup this Friday, and several of his classmates, signed to their respective schools a few weeks ago.
The Keydets, members of the Southern Conference, are led by head coach Danny Rocco and went just 1-10 last year, including a season-opening loss to ACC member Wake Forest, so Via knows the competition is a big step up, but also something he is more than ready for.
“VMI just stood out to me,” Via said.
“I mean, everyone you ask, they say it’s a great school and they will put you to work and that’s what I want. I also wanted to play football at the highest level. I am able to so I could prove to myself that I am just as good or better than any other players at my position around the country. Hopefully this will also give me a lot more opportunities down the line,” he explained.
Those opportunities will be aplenty if what the coaching staff told Via comes to fruition.
“The coaches have watched my film and I have gotten to talk to them in person when I went down there for a visit. The offensive coordinator took me to his room and went over their offense with me. He mentioned to me that we want you to run the ball for us, and we want to get you in the open as much as we can, whether that be a pass or a run, we just want the ball in your hands,” Via stated.
And those plans sound great for Via, who already has in mind what he wants to accomplish at the military school.
“When I get to VMI, I want to be the best I can at everything, whether that be on the field, classroom, or doing military stuff for VMI. I also want to get many different achievements for football while I’m there. Most importantly I want to graduate with a great degree from VMI,” Via said with a smile.
Last year, Via admitted that college football was not even in his plans, but obviously things changed for the graduated senior. He wants all his former teammates to know how important hard work is, and just because something may not be on your mind, does not mean it will not be at some point.
“To all the underclassmen, just keep working hard. You want to get to the point where you are nonstop working, and you still have to ask yourself if you’re working hard enough. It’s also okay if you’re lost at the moment in what you want to do in life. I remember this time last year, football wasn’t even first in my mind until over the summer when I really picked it up, but I wanted to play baseball in college first. Obviously, things changed, and I couldn’t thank God enough for what he has done for me and my future,” Via concluded.
Fans will be able to get their first look at Via this fall when VMI opens their 2023 season versus Davidson on September 2, but first, they hope to see him hoist a state championship baseball trophy.
