The Blue Devil Report from Fork Union Military Academy's Athletic Department is your source for weekly updates on the Fork Union Blue Devils. Here's the latest from @FUMAathletics.
Want to view past issues of the Blue Devil Report? Find them all on our website.
Contents:
- Jordan Roach Joins UNLV Track & Field As Throws Coach
- FUMA Athletics Recap
- Feature Stories: PG Football, Cross Country, PG Basketball & Junior Prep Football
- Up Next in FUMA Athletics
- Alumni Spotlight: Chase Dicus '97
- Photos: Junior Prep Soccer vs. Eastern Mennonite School
Jordan Roach Joins UNLV Track & Field As Throws Coach
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Jordan Roach has been hired as the throws coach for the UNLV track & field program, head coach Carmelita Jeter announced on Wednesday.
Roach joins the Rebels after serving several years as an assistant coach for the University of Virginia and Eastern Mennonite University's (EMU) track & field team, reaching back to 2018.
"I am very excited to have Coach Roach join us here at UNLV. He helped assist with Ashley Anumba, Ethan Dabbs and Claudio Romero to become top-tier NCAA national qualifiers," Jeter said. "I'm more than confident that his expertise and knowledge will help this throws program lift to new heights. This will be his start of having his own group and I am excited to be the head coach that helps him lead this charge of Rebels. His passion and love for the event is infectious and our ladies are all in."
Roach was first hired at Virginia as a volunteer assistant coach for the track & field teams in 2018, earning the title as an interim assistant throws coach in 2022. During his time for the Cavaliers, he assisted in writing daily programs for student-athletes and worked closely alongside them to meet the healthy balance of intensity with technique correction. During the 2022 season, the program showcased several highlights that included an NCAA Division I Championships discus title in Claudio Romero and a javelin victory from Ethan Dabbs at the USATF Outdoor Championships.
While at EMU, Roach served as an assistant coach for the track & field team beginning in 2020. For the Royals, he was responsible for coaching all student-athletes in field events while also recruiting prospective student-athletes that excelled both on the field and academically in the classroom. He also assisted in creating quality collegiate track & field meets at Eastern Mennonite, helping manage the event to run smoothly for a great experience for student-athletes and visiting fans.
"It's not all about a number and it's about the athletes' whole experience" explained Roach, "they need to enjoy the time they have and appreciate the opportunity to throw at the next level, and I'm very excited to be a part of that journey in these crucial years as young adults.
Jordan Roach served as a student-athlete at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University from 13-16, transferring to Virginia tech after a year on the Coastal Carolinas track & field team. He helped the Hokies to both indoor and outdoor ACC Track & Field Championship team titles, qualifying in the NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field National Championships Eastern Regionals in both 2015 and 2016.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech, Roach continued his athletic playing career at the professional level, finishing in the top eight at the 2019 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships to earn an All-American status. He also finished eighth overall in the US Olympic Trials back in 2021, his highest finish at trials.
Scores from the past two weeks:
Sunday, October 1
- PG Football at Sacred Heart University • W, 28-21
Tuesday, October 3
- Prep Soccer vs. Woodberry Forest School • L, 0-8
Thursday, October 5
- Junior Prep Football vs. St. Christopher's School • L, 18-21
- Junior Prep Soccer vs. Eastern Mennonite School • L, 0-2
Saturday, October 7
- PG Basketball vs. Rock Top (TN) at Assist Jamboree • W, 54-27
- Prep Football at St. Christopher's School • L, 6-62
- Cross County at Hagan Stone XC Classic • 6th/18 Teams
- PG Basketball vs. 1-of-1 (CA) at Assist Jamboree • W, 41-36
Sunday, October 8
- PG Basketball vs. Shabach National (MD) at CBG Jamboree • W, 52-43
- PG Football vs. Palmetto Prep Academy • L, 21-34
- PG Basketball vs. Pitt CC (NC) at CBG Jamboree • W, 43-38
- PG Basketball vs. Wake Tech (NC) at CBG Jamboree • L, 41-47
Tuesday, October 10
- Prep Soccer at Veritas School • L, 1-8
- Junior Prep Football at Woodberry Forest School (Bengals) • W, 28-6
- Junior Prep Soccer vs. Veritas School • L, 0-4
PG Football Holds On for a Road Win at Sacred Heart University
Sunday, October 1, 2023
FAIRFIELD, CT – The Fork Union Military Academy Postgraduate football program traveled up to Sacred Heart University and held on for a 28-21 road win Sunday.
The win improved the Blue Devils to 4-2 overall.
Fork Union came out hot to start the day, scoring 14 unanswered points in the first 15 minutes. Fullback Jett Helmut found the endzone for the first time this season to open the scoring drive for the Blue Devils and Nathaniel Hathaway recorded a pick-six to make it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Da'Quanvion Hill recorded back-to-back rushing touchdowns, including a 90-yard rushing touchdown to end the second half. Fork Union went into the half with an impressive 28-0 lead.
Sacred Heart ended the second half with some adjustments to get their offense going, scoring 21 unanswered points in the final 30 minutes. Asa Locks highlighted the second half with his fourth interception of the season.
Despite coming up with the desperate on-side kick, Sacred Heart could not reach the Blue Devils to force the extra periods.
Fork Union then returned home for its first home game of the season, hosting prep-school rival Palmetto Prep Academy a week later. It was an exciting game, but the Blue Devils fell 34-21 in overtime.
The Blue Devils sit 4-3 overall as they head to Delaware Valley University Monday, October 16 at 4:30 p.m.
PG Football's Weekly Recap - Week 6
Each week, assistant postgraduate football coach Chip Chace recaps the team's week with a special spotlight. To view this past recaps, please click the link below:
Cross Country Places Sixth at Hagan Stone Classic
Saturday, October 7, 2023
GREENSBORO, NC – The Fork Union Military Academy cross country program placed sixth overall at the Hagan Stone Classic this past weekend.
"I think we put together a good performance this past weekend," said head coach Winston Brown. "We had a really early start for the team that they handled well. We had nine personal bests of the 11 that entered. Despite being without our fourth man due to the SAT, we still finished fifth as a team. David Eaton continues to put together great efforts for only being in the ninth grade. Our big movers this week were Nicholas Coleman, Jadyn Pieron, James Hu and Jayden Ginty."
David Eaton led the way for the Blue Devils, placing seventh overall with a time of 16:49.36. Nicholas Coleman followed in 22nd with a time of 17:55.69 and Robert Callahan took 27th with a time of 18:05.95.
The team returns to action when they host the Fork Union 4-Miler on Saturday, October 14 during the Academy's 125th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Fork Union Presbyterian Church.
PG Basketball Opens Season with an Impressive Jamboree Outing
Sunday, October 8, 2023
RICHMOND, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Postgraduate basketball program opened its preseason with an impressive jamboree weekend, picking up four wins at the Assist & CBG Jamborees which were held at the U-Turn Gymnasium and Ben Wallace Gymnasiums.
On Saturday at the Assist Jamboree, the Blue Devils defeated Rock Top, 54-27, and 1-of-1, 41-36.
On Sunday at the CBG Jamboree, the Blue Devils defeated Shabach National, 52-43 and Pitt CC, 43-38, prior to falling to Wake Tech, 47-41.
Overall, Fork Union went 4-1 on the weekend.
"Going 4-1 over the weekend shows that we have some talent this year," said head coach Bob Williams. "The games were a chance to play against other teams early in the preseason, while we evaluate out players and teams. We found out what we need to improve on and will do that in these next two weeks of practice."
With many college coaches in attendance, point guard Jaden Johnson showed that he is a Division I player and David Burnett played well enough to pick up and offer from Tuskegee Institute. Several Blue Devils recorded additional recruiting interest from competing in this event.
The Blue Devils start their 2023-24 season Friday, October 20 when they travel to the Navy Prep School for a 7 p.m. contest.
Junior Prep Football Downs Woodberry Forest School for First Win of Season
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
WOODBERRY FOREST, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Junior Prep football team downed the Woodberry Forest Bengal team, 28-6, Tuesday afternoon at Johnson Stadium.
"This win would not have been possible without our awesome offensive line and the running game," said head coach Scott Krogh. "Gabriel Sowunmi, Justin Canty, Benjamin Rogge, Haggai Dulo, Jr., Josue Mukendi and Yannick McLean highlighted the run game along with a strong showing by our defensive which has been playing outstanding football. Overall, this was a great team win and I could not be more proud of our boys."
The Blue Devils took its first lead of the season early in the first half when starting quarterback Balin Frerichs was able to connect with Godwin Vander Weide in the back of the endzone. Frerichs was then able to convert their first two-point conversion when he found Jordan Zerkle in the front corner of the endzone.
Up 8-0, Fork Union found itself in a struggle on defense as Woodberry controlled the ball for most of the second quarter. A strong goal-line stand gave the ball back to the offense with enough time to run out the clock to take the two teams into halftime with Fork Union's two-possession lead.
To start the third quarter, the Blue Devils got things going with a long completion pass to Timmy Costa who set up first-and-goal from the one that allowed Frerichs to rush for his second touchdown of the season.
A strong defensive showing from Costa, Benjamin Rogge, Brandon Parker and Brandon Smith gave Fork Union the ball back and allowed the Blue Devils to quickly strike again with a pass to Kayden Whiteside.
On the next possession, Whiteside forced a fumble that he returned for a defensive touchdown, his second of the season, and Fork Union was able to complete another two-point conversion.
The squad returns to action Wednesday, October 25 when they host Benedictine College Prep at 4 p.m.
Get to know Alumnus Chase Dicus
For this week's alumni spotlight, we would like to feature Chase Dicus. Dicus is a 1997 alumnus who played postgraduate football. He is the President of RMI in South Carolina. It also happens to be Chase's birthday!
Happy Birthday, Chase! Let's get to know the 1997 graduate:
How did you end up at Fork Union Military Academy?
My uncle, at the time, was a former FUMA cadet. I was very privileged and fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Fork Union to get my SAT and ACT up and play for Coach Shuman.
Has Fork Union impacted your life in anyway?
It was the most informative year of my life! And also, best year of my life to be honest. As they say, "a tough place to be at, but a great place to be from!"
Describe your coaching philosophy:
Learning from those before you!
What advice do you have for an inspired FUMA athlete?
Be a sponge! It's a privilege and a honor to be a part of the FUMA family. FUMA changed my whole life for the better.
Please make sure you continue to check the athletic website on a weekly basis, for all game updates.
If you haven't already, please download the Fork Union Athletics Mobile App for all game day information right at your fingertips!
Up Next in FUMA Athletics:
Friday, October 13
- Prep Football vs. Fredericksburg Christian School • 3:00 PM
- Junior Prep Soccer at Woodberry Forest School • 4:30 PM
Saturday, October 14
- Cross Country vs. The Fork Union 4-Miler • 8:00 AM
- PG Basketball vs. Red/Blue Game • 2:00 PM
Monday, October 16
- PG Football at Delaware Valley University • 4:30 PM
Tuesday, October 17
- Junior Prep Soccer vs. Virginia Episcopal School • 4:00 PM
Wednesday, October 18
- Prep Soccer at Randolph-Macon Academy • 4:00 PM
Friday, October 20
- Cross Country at Woodberry Forest School • 4:00 PM
- PG Basketball at Navy Prep School • 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 22
- PG Basketball at Navy (JV) • 11:00 AM