Displays of red, white, orange and blue provided the backdrop for the University of Virginia’s baseball series with the University of Pittsburgh over the weekend.
UVA hosted its annual Heroes Appreciation Weekend, a salute to service featuring a variety of tributes to the Wahoo military community.
Though inclement weather turned Friday’s scheduled Military Appreciation Night game into Military Appreciation Day on Saturday afternoon, the spirit wasn’t dampened as the Cavaliers wore patriotic-themed uniforms in their 7-5, series-opening win over the Panthers.
The first game included ceremonial first pitches from U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Jones and U.S. Army Master Sgt. Evan Davis.
And in a nod to first responders, UVA Police Detective Eddie McKay also threw out a first pitch.
Before Friday evening’s game was postponed, the University hosted a reception to thank UVA students, staff and alumni with military affiliations.
“I just want to express my admiration and gratitude,” UVA President Jim Ryan told the Friday crowd. “I don’t think there is any higher calling. I don’t think that there’s anything more selfless or noble than to serve the country by serving in the military.”
Third-year student Josephine Genereux, a cadet in UVA’s ROTC program, followed Ryan’s remarks and detailed her unique journey to service.
A product of a UVA family – her grandfather played baseball for the Cavaliers and served as the president of the UVA Alumni Association, her mother graduated from the Darden School of Business and her younger sister is a first-year student – Genereux arrived on Grounds on a golf scholarship and now throws the javelin for the Hoos’ track and field team.
During her transition to a new sport, she began thinking of her future after college. At her mother’s suggestion, she pursued the Army, a decision she doesn’t regret.
Members of UVA’s military community pose after participating in ceremonial first pitches at Disharoon Park on Saturday. From left to right are Cadet Ibrahim Conteh, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Evan Davis, Cadet Alex Cho and U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Jones. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“I’m so grateful for all my experiences here at UVA,” said Genereux, who will attend ROTC’s Advanced Camp this summer, the penultimate evaluation program for cadets. “This school has given me the opportunity to explore so many different things and meet friends I’ll have for life.”
