Moorefield High School senior Seth Wilson has signed his national letter of intent to extend his academic and athletic career at Shenandoah University competing as a member of the Hornets Track and Field squad.
“I’m beyond blessed to be able to continue my passion at the next level,” Moorefield Track and Field senior Seth Wilson commented.
“The campus is gorgeous. It’s not a huge campus which is nice because everything is within walking distance. I really liked how the team and the coaches were really close together, they acted like a family and I can’t wait to be a part of it. What really persuaded me to go to SU was the fact that the coaches and teachers want to see you succeed in school and in life. They aren’t just worried about the money, but the success of the student/athlete.”
Shenandoah University was founded in 1875 in Dayton, Virginia and moved its main campus to Winchester in 1960 with current enrollment at nearly 4,000 students with over 200 areas of study.
It is one of six institutions of higher learning in Virginia associated with the United Methodist Church.
There are specialized disciplines for the school located within the state including an ecological site in Bluemont known as the Cool Spring River campus with a 195-acre nature preserve for the students to explore and a healthcare initiative in Fairfax.
Shenandoah University competes in the NCAA Division III within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and Eastern College Athletic Conference.[private]
Shenandoah University Track and Field head coach Andrew Marrocco and assistant coach A.J. Blaisdell are enthusiastic to have Wilson join the squad and become a well-rounded student-athlete.
“Seth impressed me greatly on his recruit visit with us. We recruit academically strong students with hard work ethics. A desire to reach their full self potential, as well as leaving the team in four years better than when they arrived. Seth was well spoken and polite, and I feel both academically and athletically, he will set very high standards for future Shenandoah track & field athletes,” Shenandoah University Track & Field/Cross Country head coach Andrew Marrocco remarked.
The track and field program continues to grow stronger with recruits like Wilson, who was a state qualifier in the shot put during his junior season earning designation as a captain. a leader on the football team and active member of Believers Victory Church. Wilson was a key contributor for the Yellow Jackets Football squad as an offensive lineman and linebacker.
“Seth came on our radar because of his standout career as a multisport athlete at Moorefield, but it was getting to know him during his official visit to campus that sealed the deal for us. We are always looking to add high character individuals who are hungry to get better, and that’s the type of person we identified when we met him back in November. I’m sure losing his senior season was tough, but he certainly didn’t use it as an opportunity to slack off. He’s already contacted me about getting started on his summer programming. We’re excited to see him thrive in a college system with an experienced group of teammates to learn from.” Shenandoah University Track & Field/Cross Country assistant coach A.J. Blaisdell stated.
The Hornets are more than athletes as they have been selected as the top rated community-minded students working as volunteers to make a difference logging the most hours among participating institutions caring for those around them which will fit perfectly with Wilson’s compassion for others developed as a member of Believers Victory Center.
“I can’t say enough good things about Seth. He is a great person and definitely a natural athlete. He is one of the hardest working on the team in his events. He leads by example and with respect for his teammates and coaches. He comes from a very supportive family. I will miss Seth next year, but I know he’ll be successful in anything he does! I was very fortunate to have him on the team the past few years! I have no doubt that he would have made another trip to State this year. He was hungry for a medal, and I feel bad that it couldn’t happen in high school. I look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments. Shenandoah University is lucky to have Seth,” Moorefield High School Boys Track & Field Coach Linda Wright said.
Wilson plans to pursue a degree in Athletic Training and was impressed with the professor to student ratio which was described as perfect at 1:15-25 helping the educational process with one-on-one development.
The coronavirus nixed Wilson’s senior season, but that hasn’t prevented his dedication on preparation for the next level.
“I have been doing little cardio workouts to maintain my agility and things of that nature, but I have also been doing some body weight exercises to help keep some of my strength,” Wilson noted.
Wilson is honored to be representing the Yellow Jackets at Shenandoah University and has some advice for his high school teammates working to achieve success.
“I’m extremely honored because I never thought I would be where I am today. My advice to my teammates and those who are incoming freshman next year is this: you will regret not playing or lifting to the best of your ability and to not take the little things for granted. Love your teammates like they are your family. Also, don’t just participate in the sport, but put your heart and soul into it.” Wilson concluded.
The mission statement for Shenandoah University is: “Shenandoah University educates and inspires individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers, lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.”[/private]