Change in Philosophy has helped Varina adjust the narrative of academic excellence
by Brandon Mitchell, recruit804Wednesday morning was just another ordinary morning for the student-athletes of Varina High School. There wasn’t much advertising about Varina hosting a signing day in mid-April, however; there was one definitely scheduled on the books.
Varina has grown accustomed to rising to a certain level of academic success which has also translated into success on the football field. After all, players can’t contribute on the football field unless the same energy put towards athletic dominance is also duplicated in the classroom.
This sentiment has been well received by the student-athletes that make up Varina’s football program which watched nine prospects to sign their National Letter of Intent on Wednesday morning. Jermaine Boone (Charleston), Jaiden Rodwell (Chowan), Lavar Mallory (Apprentice School), Justin Stafford (Bridgewater), Tyrese Williams (VUL), Jaquan Belchinger (Louisburg), Michael Norman (Norfolk State), Trevon Epps (Virginia State), and Floyd Jones (Virginia State) will continue their academic and athletic journey once they leave Varina in June. As impressive as the Blue Devils have been, a change in philosophy has helped elevate their rise to historic proportions.
“Varina football is proud of our accomplishments pertaining to recruiting. Since 1995 we’ve had over 50 Division I athletes sign as well as over 200 sign in other levels. Our proudest accomplishment is a change in philosophy,” explained Coach Stuart Brown.
Seven years ago, Varina grew tired of watching student-athletes graduate and then walk around with degrees in which they weren’t able to translate into attainment.
“We were tired of watching college football programs placing our athletes in programs for grades or eligibility purposes. We developed a philosophy that college programs will no longer tell us what to study. Instead, we are going to work academically to choose the path of our choice,” stated Coach Brown.
Varina has began telling collegiate programs what their students are going to study in conjunction with Michael Robinson’s Excel 2 Excellence program.
“Recently, Varina football has produced engineers, our first Ivy League athlete to law school, and one to study medicine at UVA. Our goal is to make more than just a student-athlete, we want to produce wealthy and productive citizens with strong character who prospers while caring for all,” said Coach Brown.
Along with the aforementioned prospects, the Blue Devils also celebrated Alton Costin who received a full academic scholarship to the College of William and Mary.
– Brandon Mitchell
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