The Goochland Gazette – 06/30/2022 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland history: Fifty years ago, Agnes walloped the county > page 2

Volume 66 Number 25 • June 30, 2022

Road warning: Once fireworks pop, traffic will likely slow, stop By Roslyn Ryan Editor

and commitment, however, which is why earlier this year they were not surprised to see her presented with the Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs’ 2022 Unsung Heroes Award. Mattice received the award at a celebration held at the Downtown Richmond

As county residents prepare to enjoy the annual Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza hosted by Goochland County this Monday, Parks and Recreation staff are reminding residents to be mindful of another, less-celebrated tradition closely tied to the event: the annual snarling of traffic that often accompanies the festivities. County officials this week put out a reminder to residents to be prepared for extensive traffic delays before and after the fireworks, which begins at 9 p.m. Local road closures will be initiated based on traffic conditions and event parking capacity, so those with plans to travel throughout the Courthouse Village area are urge to check the Goochland County Parks & Recreation’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ GoochlandParksandRec/) for upto-the-minute parking and weather announcements. In case of inclement weather, the rain date for the event is Tuesday, July 5. For those attending the fireworks show, parking will be available at the County Administration complex (1800 Sandy Hook Road), the Fairground property, Goochland

see Mattice > 5

see Traffic > 2

Photo courtesy of Goochland County

First responders sharpen skills during casualty training class First responders take part in a training exercise last week at Goochland High School, part of a tactical emergency casualty care class taught by the Virginia EMS Training Group and Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services. Goochland County Fire-Rescue and the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office hosted the session from June 24-26, focusing on realistic hands-on training and drills.

Goochland resident honored as ‘unsung hero’ Mattice has earned reputation for being a top problem solver in IT role with DMV MATTICE

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Of the millions of Virginians who visit the DMV each year, only a tiny fraction will ever meet Information Technology manager Betty Mattice. That’s why they might be forgiven for not realizing what a critical part the lifelong Goochland resident plays in keeping the entire organization rolling along. Mattice’s colleagues have become very familiar over the years with her work ethic

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June 30, 2022

Traffic continued from >1 Elementary School (3150 River Road West), and the Goochland Middle/High School complex back parking lot (3250 River Road West). Drivers are reminded that the front parking lot at

Goochland High School is closed due to construction. Parking opens at 7 p.m. and no alcohol is allowed. For more information on this year’s event, residents are encouraged to contact Goochland Parks & Recreation at (804) 5565854.

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Fifty years ago, Agnes walloped Virginia In June 1972, just three years after Hurricane Camille ravaged the area, Hurricane Agnes brought five straight days of rain and more devastation that most residents thought possible. In Goochland, Cartersville Bridge was destroyed, A. G. Smith’s store (pictured above) at Maidens was flooded up to the roof and Boscobel Quarry filled with water from the overflowing James River during the worst flooding event since records had been kept. In Richmond, the river kept rising until it reached 28 feet above flood stage. Only Hurricane Isabel, which struck in 2003, is said to have caused more damage to Virginia.

2.1

Overall cost, in billions, of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Agnes to all countries impacted.

128

Number of fatalities caused by Hurricane Agnes, 13 of which were in Virginia.

Number of homes destroyed in Virginia. An additional 4,393 were damaged.

Costliest storms to hit Virginia

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Cost in millions

Hurricane Camille (1967) 0

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3 acres; Justin M. Small to Mackenzie Lewis, $232,000. 5 lots, Section 4B, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to HHHunt Homes LC, $504,540. 12325 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to A.J. Hostetler, $663,297. 4126 Clay Morris Estates

Drive, Louisa; Renovatio III LLC to James Swantek, $380,000. 1767 Fishers Bond Drive, Maidens; Biringer Builders Inc. to Alice A. Brown, $830,455. 2346 Hampden Road, Goochland; Paul T. McMahon to Wanda Leigh Fitzgerald, $385,000.

Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................13-14 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

Hurricane Isabel (2003) Hurricane Agnes (1972)

Benedictine’s Onyiuke ready to play at Notre Dame PAGE 8

814 Kline Court, Goochland; Karen M. Kent to Jeffrey Thomas Garell, $419,900. Lot 12, Pembroke Farm; John Stefan Cametas to Rachel Omdahl Davis, $800,000. 2306 Maidens Road, Maidens; Origin Medical Group LLC to John Lewis McPherson, $380,000.

Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Laura McFarland Managing Editor (804) 363-1577 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Robby Fletcher Sports Editor (804) 380-0497 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624

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Goochland County Fire Rescue recently recognized Chyna Tyler, a 15-year-old Goochland Schools student, for her quick actions on Sunday evening May 15 to avert a major emergency in her home. Pictured, from left to right, are Goochland fire marshal Doug Davies, Goochland County Fire-Rescue captain Brandon Proffitt, Tyler, Goochland County Fire-Rescue chief Eddie Ferguson, Goochland County Fire-Rescue deputy chief Mike Watkins, and Goochland County Public Schools assistant superintendent Andy Armstrong.

Goochland teen’s quick thinking kept fire from destroying home By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Paying attention in class is always important, but for one Goochand family that attentiveness recently helped avert what could have been a tragedy. On the evening of May 15, 15-year-old Chyna Tyler was watching her younger siblings at her family’s Oilville home, when she discovered a quicklyspreading fire in the kitchen.

Escape plan key to staying safe when fire breaks out in the home

Recalling lessons learned during a fire safety education class at Randolph Elementary, Tyler quickly extinguished the flames, called 911 and moved her siblings and a family pet outside. Arriving on the scene moments later, firefighters found minimal damage to the home and reported that the fire had been limited to the kitchen. To Goochland County Fire Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson, Contributed report According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), having an escape plan is a critical step in keeping families safe. Here are several tips on creating a plan: Pull together everyone

Tyler’s quick-thinking and competence undoubtedly prevented the fire from destroying the family home, and her actions served to underscore the importance of fire safety education. Earlier this month, during the June 7 Goochland Board of Supervisors meeting, Ferguson joined deputy chief Mike Watkins, fire marshal Doug Davies, captain Brandon Proffitt and Andy Armstrong in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each

from Goochland County Public Schools to present Tyler with a certificate honoring her actions. The commendation read: “For your quick thinking and heroic actions during the emergency incident at your home, safely evacuating your family, and calling 911, Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services sincerely appreciates your invaluable assistance.” room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, out-

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Community Calendar Monday, July 4

To increase access to COVID-19 COVID vaccines and other routine immunization as well as provide health promotion programs

Non-peofits faith-bas Non-peofits, faith-based groups, coalitions, community health clinics, and more

Goochland County will hold a July 4th Fireworks Celebration on Monday, July 4, with the show starting at 9 p.m. The rain date is Monday, July 5. Goochland residents can park and watch the show in the Courthouse Village from the County Administration complex, Goochland Elementary School, and the Goochland Middle/ High School Complex. No alcohol consumption is allowed and residents should be prepared for extensive traffic delays before and after the event. Local road closures will be enacted based on traffic conditions and event parking capacity. Please check and follow Goochland County Parks & Recreation’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/GoochlandParksandRec/ for up to the minute parking announcements. For more information, contact Goochland County Parks & Recreation at (804) 556-5854. The Goochland Recreational Center’s annual 4th of July celebration will be held on July 4 from noon until 6 p.m. at 2415 Sandy Hook Road Goochland. Vendors and food trucks are needed. For more information, call (804) 784-4358.

Saturday, July 9

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WWW.VDH.VIRGINIA.GOV/CHICKAHOMINY/ FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES/ Grant Project Coordinator: Katherine Sperberg Katherine.sperberg@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-807-1059

A Planning and Installing a Rain Garden workshop will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 - 11 a.m. for those ages 18 and up. This is a virtual program. Learn what a rain garden is, why they are important, and how to install, plant and maintain one. Presented by Linda Toler, Master Gardener, Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/8903334. This program is hosted virtu-

ally through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered before the event occurs. Please contact the Goochland Branch if you do not receive this email. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information. The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host a Pirate Day Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those in grades K-5. Ahoy! Get ye to the Rockville Library and celebrate the legacy of pirates through games and crafts under the blazing sun! Call (804) 883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.

Sunday, July 10 Area families are encouraged to visit Beulah Baptist Church, located at 1633 Kents Store Way, in Kents Store, Va. for the church’s VBS Jerusalem Marketplace. Attendees will travel back into Bible times— without setting foot outside their own community. Adults may participate by attending with their children, or attending the church’s Adult VBS class, and those in preschool through 6th grade are urged to register today. Children under preschool age must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be held on July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and July 11-13 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Early registration is available at https://www.beulahchurchonline.org/.

pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8911804. Call (804) 5564774 for more information. Outdoor Family Story Time will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 11 – 11:30 a.m. Join the library for an all-age storytime to sing songs, learn rhymes, and listen to stories. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books! Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. Call (804) 7493146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Wednesday, July 20 Action Figure Art Class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for ages 12-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. All supplies will be provided. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Thursday, July 21

Read to Rover will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for those in grades K-2. Read to Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. Space is limited. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Saturday, July 16 Call the Rockville Branch A DIY Fish Earrings at (804) 749-3146 for more workshop will be held at the information to register for this Goochland Branch Library rewarding program. from 1 – 2 p.m.for those ages 13 and up. Bring your teen Tuesday, July 26 for an afternoon craft session Goochland Library will host and leave with a pair of trendy fish earrings! Space is limited. see Calendar > 12 Registration required at https://

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June 30, 2022

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Obituary CHARLES BRANDMAHL Charles Douglas “Doug” Brandmahl, 63, of Goochland, Va., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on June 19, 2022. He was born July 30,1958. He was preceded in death by parents, BRANDMAHL Charles R. and Audrey W. Brandmahl; his loving wife of 37 years, Sherry Brandmahl; and nephew, William Joseph Jeffords III (Trey). Doug was a loving and supportive father to daughters, Kasey Brandmahl

Hicks (Daniel) and Alex Brandmahl Strabley (Skyler), both of Goochland, VA. He was the proudest Papa to Chase, Colton and Cannon Hicks and Audrey and Beau Strabley. He was a loyal younger brother to Kristie Brandmahl Gee of Glen Allen, Va.; an amazing uncle to Lindsay Orioles (Peter); and great-uncle to Taylor and Charlotte Skorupa. He is also survived by Bill and Beth Ann Jeffords, Billy and Lisa Jeffords, Cindy and Gary Gumm; along with several nieces and nephews. He loved Jesus, and was a spiritual leader to his family. Doug was a graduate of Tucker High School in 1977, the star quarterback who married the

cutest cheerleader, Sherry. The two raised their girls in Goochland, Va., where Doug was a successful independent general contractor. He loved to travel, to play golf, ride his motorcycle and spend time watching his grandchildren play baseball. The family received friends on Wednesday, June 22 at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, where a funeral service was held on Thursday, June 23. Interment followed in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences maybe registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com.

Mattice

Last week, as she prepared to go through the sixth system overhaul since she began at DMV, Mattice said the key to her success over the years has been to keep learning as much as she can and never be afraid to ask questions. If she didn’t know something, she explained, she has never been shy about asking for help. Her goal every day, Mattice said, “is to make sure the citizens have what they need.” If that means working a schedule that sounds almost superhuman—Monday through Thursday Mattice can often be found in the office from around 3:20 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and she works from home on Friday—Mattice says she is happy to do that. She is even somewhat famous around the office for keeping a foldaway cot near her desk in case inclement weather means having to stay on even longer. To DMV Chief Information Officer Lana Shelley, having Mattice in the office means knowing a solution to even the most vexing IT challenge is in reach. “Whenever things get really

complicated and you don’t know if you’re going to be able to figure something out, I always know I can turn to Betty and she will know what to do,” Shelley said. Over the years Mattice has held roles, including managing the DMV’s central office customer service center. In her current position, Mattice oversees software system and business requirements, as well as managing a help desk staff that provides assistance to field employees and DMV partners. Asked last week if she has given any thought to retirement, Mattice didn’t hesitate: she has not. “It’s not on the horizon,” she said firmly, particularly since she enjoys what she does and the people she works with, the ones who affectionately call her “The Fixer.” Scaling back might sound like a good idea to some, she explained, but she likes to think her work is part of what has kept her sharp as she moves into her seventh decade. “The more I stay here,” she laughed, “my mind won’t go to mush.”

continued from >1 Marriot last April. According to the VCU website, the Unsung Heroes Award recognizes an individual Virginian who has provided distinguished and exceptional service as a career government employee in the commonwealth, with local or state government. Reached by phone last Wednesday as she closed in on the end of her work day, Mattice said she was both honored and surprised to have received the recognition. To her, she explained, working hard is simply a way of life. Given the fact that Mattice started at the Department of Motor Vehicles two days after graduating from Goochland High School in 1970, back before computers changed the landscape and the latest technology centered on punch cards and file cabinets, the lifelong Goochland resident has certainly seen plenty of changes in the way the department functions.

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June 30, 2022

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Preventing suicide among young adults takes vigilance becoming an increasingly common one. Back in March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study warning of an accelerating mental health crisis among adolescents, with one in five teens saying they had contemplated suicide. As a community, we have made a concerted effort to address the problem, to remain vigilant for signs of trouble and put plans in place to help identify issues before they have the chance to become serious threats. We tell our children that they have options, that they are loved, that there are people who can help and paths forward no matter how bleak a given situation may seem. Tragically, it isn’t always enough. But that doesn’t mean we should stop fighting for each and every young person in our community who may be struggling, especially

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

The news, when it came, made my stomach drop. And, as it the case with so many of life’s unexpected tragedies, the Earth seemed to stand still. The son of a friend, a brilliant, creative, vibrant young man had taken his own life just as the next chapter of his journey was beginning. There are no real words for an event like this, nothing that can be said to help ease the unyielding pain of the family members left behind. There is only the incessant retracing of steps, a journey backward again and again in search of any clue that was missed, any nowlost opportunity to have prevented what happened. Sadly, as we all know, the tragedy my friend’s family is facing is

those who manage to hide their private battles so well. “People often think that it’s the child sitting over in the corner wearing all black that is in trouble,” said Goochland resident Luis Cabral, who lost his 13-yearold son Matthew to suicide in 2020. “But in a lot of cases that is the child that is already asking for help.” More difficult to spot, he said, are children who may not let on in any visible way that they are struggling. “That’s the kind of kid you need to reach,” said Cabral. According to the Mayo Clinic, many teens who attempt or die by suicide are struggling with a mental health condition, which can often make coping with the stress of being a teen even more difficult. They might also be unable to see that they can turn their lives around, and that suicide, as

researchers point out, is “a permanent response, not a solution, to a temporary problem.” A few suggestions for approaching a teen you suspect could be in danger: Talk about mental health and suicide. Don’t wait for your teen to come to you. If your teen is sad, anxious, depressed or appears to be struggling — ask what’s wrong and offer your support. Pay attention. If your teen is thinking about suicide, he or she is likely displaying warning signs. Listen to what your child is saying and watch how he or she is acting. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teen melodrama. Discourage isolation. Encourage your teen to spend time with supportive friends and family. Monitor and talk about see Suicide prevention > 7

Tell Me A Story Among many ‘pickers,’ one man remained a legend By Jack Agnew Contributing Columnist

One of the orchards I worked for in high school was especially large, having about a thousand acres of fruit trees. The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company

was one of their customers, and we would fill multiple tractor trailers of produce for them at a time. I had no idea who they were, so I asked the boss. “Are you kidding?” he questioned. “You’ve been in there a hundred times!”

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I told him that I had never heard of them. “It’s A&P grocery stores,” he told me. Picking the fruit took a lot of labor, and the migrant fruit pickers would come up and down the coast during the summer months,

going from asparagus in New Jersey down to peaches in Florida. The orchard had a labor camp where they would stay, coming from places like Jamaica, Mexico and South America. It was an see Pickers> 7

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Choice to ‘start over’ isn’t always the easy one By Emily Walls Ray Contributing Columnist

“Mimby, can we start over?” This was the query my little sister would put to me after we’d been fighting as siblings do from time to time. She had trouble pronouncing “Emily,” so she got as close as possible. What was important wasn’t proper pronunciation of my name. Even at a young age, she knew fighting was hurtful and needed to stop. I love my sister’s desire to “start over,” and that is what we as young girls would do. Starting over is a close cousin to apologizing, an act far more difficult than it seems if done with sincerity. But the rewards are life-sustaining (and include sustaining important relationships). We have, as a society, forgotten how to apologize and start over. It can be a very hard thing to do, because it usually involves one party taking responsibility for things breaking down. As a young girl I heard my parents explain, “It never hurts to apologize.” I applied that advice growing up, and they were mostly right. If an apology is honest and not used as a way to twist the blame back at the other person, it can become a strong bridge to restoring truth and understanding. On the flip side, insincere apologies can add to frustration and bitterness. Maybe take more time to reflect, pray and keep silent until thinking is clear. Over my years as a middle school teacher, I observed many instances where students wanted to ease pain they had caused another student. They just didn’t know how to do it. They didn’t know any see Starting over > page 7

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June 30, 2022

Starting over continued from >6 other way to diffuse or escape a downward spiral of emotions or actions. We humans are wired in complex ways often only our Creator and His Son and Spirit understand. Thankfully our God finds ways to help us. I picked up a few pearls of wisdom from Dr. Nicholas E. Kalafatis, who was a longtime leader in education in Goochland County. He was a mentor when, about 20 years ago, I first applied to become a substitute teacher. He told me that when two kids are liter-

Pickers continued from >6 interesting group of people. One of my favorites was an older gentleman named McGee, who would come up every summer. He didn’t travel with the rest of the group in the labor buses. He had his own car, and a sidekick would come with him. Every time I saw them, I noticed that there was both a Bible and an astrological chart on the dashboard.

Suicide prevention continued from >6 social media use. Keep an eye on your teen’s social media accounts. While social media can give teens valuable support, it can also expose them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure. If your teen is hurt or upset by social media posts or messages, encourage him or her to talk to you or a trusted teacher. Feeling connected and supported at school can have a strong protective effect. Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Help your teen eat well, exercise and get regular sleep.

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

ally fighting and you need to separate them, call out to the one most likely to respond, or perhaps the less aggressive one at the moment. I picked up another tip about talking one-on-one to an upset teen or tween. In an effort to be less confrontational, don’t look the party directly in the eye when speaking, especially if you are correcting them. It will be less confrontational and allow the person a little space and dignity to reset. The phrase “saving face” comes to mind. Giving our young people a way to back out gracefully from an intense situation isn’t

easy. I guess it starts with our own experience in handling situations in which we are hurting, prideful or just embarrassed about the situation we’ve gotten ourselves into. Students of the Bible know how Jesus handled his final moments of punishment and death at the hands of the crowd caught up in the politics of His time. He fulfilled His mission, and even in His suffering, He asked God to forgive them, for they had no understanding of what was at stake. In Psalms 3:3, Jesus is referred to by the psalmist as “the lifter of my head.” If

Jesus, in his glory in the cross, can gently place his bloodied fingers beneath our sagging chins, thus lifting our gaze to His loving yet sorrow-filled eyes, the least we can do is try. On our toughest days we can try to “start over” by forgiving our fellow man, and yes, even forgiving ourselves. Backing away from a pattern of blaming others, displacing our own responsibility, and creating distance from those we most long to reach is so hard for us. I give great credit to my younger sister (now a wise but imperfect grandmother) who had the courage even as a child to ask, “Can we start over?”

I guess he was hedging his bets. The workers were paid 50 cents a bushel, which was good money during the ‘60s and ‘70s. They would strap into a picking bag which held the fruit while they picked, and it would hold a bushel. A full one would have weighed roughly 40 to 50 pounds for apples and peaches. A good local worker could harvest 100 bushels of apples a day. Most of the migrants picked up to 200 bushels a day, but McGee could do 400. He

was very short and always had a cigar in his mouth, but he could fly. It was unbelievable how fast he would go. I asked him once what the longest distance he had ever traveled harvesting produce was, thinking that he was going to give a distance in miles traveled between states, or time spent driving. He looked at me and said, “The farthest I have ever been picking fruit was from the top of a 40 foot grapefruit tree with a full, 70 pound, two-bushel picking

bag strapped to my shoulders. The ladder broke, and those old-growth grapefruit trees had thorns on them. That bag of grapefruit drove me all the way to the ground. That is the longest distance I have ever traveled anywhere, in my entire life.”

Support the treatment plan. If your teen is undergoing treatment for suicidal behavior, remind him or her that it might take time to feel better. Help your teen follow his or her doctor’s recommendations. Also, encourage your teen to participate in activities that will help him or her rebuild confidence. Monitor medications. Though it’s uncommon, some teens might have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when a dose is changed. But antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk

in the long run by improving mood. If your teen has suicidal thoughts while taking an antidepressant, immediately contact the doctor or get emergency help. Safely store firearms, alcohol and medications. Access to means can play a role if a teen is already suicidal. If you’re worried about your teen, talk to him or her and seek help right away. As with so many other problems we face, teen suicide is difficult to talk about. It’s scary and it’s uncomfortable. But if it can save even one young life, it may just be the most worthwhile conversation you’ll ever have.

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Onyiuke ready to compete at Notre Dame By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

It was in the third grade that Kobi Onyiuke convinced his parents to let him play tackle football. Thanks to some strong convincing and a powerpoint presentation, Onyiuke finally got his parents to let him take the field for a sport that he considers his first love. After graduating from Benedictine College Preparatory this past spring, Onyiuke’s journey as a studentathlete has now led to a spot as a preferred walk-on with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, his dream school. “All glory to God,” Onyiuke said in a statement about his commitment. “It is with a humble heart that I announced my commitment to the University of Notre Dame to continue my academic and athletic future. Thank you to my family for their unwavering support and to my teammates and coaches. Thank you especially to Coach Peloquin and the Notre Dame family for giving me this opportunity.” A talented 6-foot-4, 225pound defensive end that describes his style of play as relentless, tough and teamdriven, Onyiuke fielded offers from schools like Carnegie Mellon and Washington and Lee to continue his football career, but he says Notre Dame was always his preferred landing spot, especially after a visit to South Bend, Indiana for a football camp held last June. “Immediately I realized that Notre Dame was home,” Onyiuke said. “I remember walking around the campus and everyone was so nice, and I was like this is exactly where I want to be.” After impressing at Notre Dame’s camp, Onyiuke con-

nected with Notre Dame director of player personnel David Peloquin, someone he credits with helping him navigate the sometimes overwhelming recruiting process. “Coach Peloquin has been integral to the process of recruiting me, signing me and getting me ready for school and football at Notre Dame,” he said. He came back to South Bend two more times after the initial camp, once on a gameday visit in September and later in April after he announced his decision to join the Fighting Irish. He also feels his time playing at Benedictine prepared him for this heightened competition on a technical level as well as through the discipline they helped instill in their student-athletes. “The culture of football around there is just so special, it really helped me to see football after high school as something that I really wanted to do,” he said. It wasn’t just Notre Dame’s rich football history that drew him in. Leaving Benedictine with a 4.7 GPA and as the school’s salutatorian, Onyiuke also found his interest in the field of medicine lining up with the school’s neuroscience program, which he plans on studying. Onyiuke says he’ll miss the brotherhood he formed with his fellow Cadets, though he’ll be transitioning directly into another with Notre Dame’s Walk-on Players’ Union or WOPU, an unofficially united brotherhood of the school’s walk-on athletes. Notre Dame is known for being a school with multiple instances of walk-on athletes making huge plays on the field and leaving their mark

on Fighting Irish history, with classic examples like Rudy Ruettiger who was the focal point of the 1993 football film “Rudy,” 2003 backup quarterback Pat Dillingham and kicker Reggie Ho in 1988 to name a few. Onyiuke hopes to add his name to the list of classic Notre Dame walk-ons to step out onto the field in a big moment, or even be one of many to eventually earn a scholarship, but he says he’s trying to focus on doing the little things to help out his new team. “I think about it a lot how Notre Dame is unique for giving walk-ons the opportunity to play, but right now, I try not to focus on things like that,” he said. “I just want to help my teammates in any way that I can, whether it’s in practice or meetings so we can get a national championship.” All this to say, Onyiuke’s taking a smart, patient approach to this new journey, focusing instead of the things he can do to help now rather than get too bogged down in what-ifs. “Down the line, with a lot of hard work, maybe I’ll have the opportunity to earn a scholarship and stardom, but right now, I just want to focus on being the best walk-on that I can be and serving that role the best that I can.” Now ready for the next step in his academic and athletic career, Onyiuke says he has countless coaches, teammates and teachers to thank for helping him reach this point in his life, but most importantly, he’s thankful for his mother Sandra, who was integral to helping him reach his dream of playing football in the navy blue and gold jerseys that have become etched into college football’s very fabric.

Contributed Photo

Benedictine graduate and incoming Notre Dame freshman Kobi Onyiuke wears his new Fighting Irish uniform after announcing his commitment to the school on Dec. 18, 2021 as a preferred walk-on. Onyiuke was a defensive end for a Cadets team that went to the Division I VISAA State Championship game.

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Goochland’s Price named Second Team All-State By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

oochland graduate Jasmine Price — the varsity softball team’s go-to option on the mound — is getting recognition for her stellar senior season. After leading the charge for Goochland’s defense on the way to an 11-10 record and a win in the regional tournament, Price was honored on June 22 by being listed as a Class 3 Second Team All-State player, being the lone Bulldog featured on either team. Listed as a designated player, Price was one of 21 seniors to be named to an All-State Team. “My entire career with Goochland softball has been incredible,” Price said. “Through my four years on varsity I have been nominated a couple times but I never made the teams.” Price was also one of three

Goochland players to be named to the 3B All-Region squad, being joined by fellow graduate outfielder Abrielle White on the first team while first baseman Karsyn Martin was named to the second team. Price was also named to the All-District squad. “To not only make AllDistrict and All-Region, but All-State for my senior year just blew my mind,” Price said. “It really shows me that all the hard work I’ve put in for the last 11 years has paid off.” One of three seniors on the team, Price was both a respected team leader and a key contributor on the field for the Bulldogs, helping them navigate their way through their debut season in the Jefferson District. “Jasmine was the kind of player all coaches would love to have,” head coach Weyland Colwell said. “She was always willing to do whatever it took to help the team and her teammates.”

Colwell also says that Price’s team-first demeanor was a unique part of what made her such an impactful player on the field. “I know she is excited to win this, but I’m sure she would have rather the team have advanced further,” Colwell said. “She will be missed next year.” Some of Price’s top moments in her senior year include her shared shutout performance alongside teammate Chelsey Farthing against Caroline on March 15, her three-hit, four-run outing versus Charlottesville on May 5 and her game-winning run in Goochland’s regional tournament victory over Warren County on May 26. After an impressive season for the Bulldogs, it’s a welcome sight to see one of the team’s stars end her high school softball career with the distinguished honor of being named one of the best players in the state.

Photo by Robby Fletcher

Goochland graduate Jasmine Price winds up for a pitch in a 16-0 home victory against Charlottesville High School on April 12. After her final season as a Bulldog, Price was named a member of the Class 3 All-State Second Team as a designated player as well as a member of the 3B All-Region First Team.

Goochland All-Star team surprised with Squirrels game By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

While the Goochland U9 All-Star baseball team has been hard at work preparing for its state tournament on July 8, the team was rewarded for its hard work this past weekend with a surprise that shocked everyone. What the players thought would be just an average Friday practice turned out to be much more than that, as they all were gifted with a surprise trip to a Richmond Flying Squirrels game on Friday, June 24. The surprise trip was organized by

coach Rick Murren with help coordinating the event from Goochland Baptist Church, Justin Lacy with Financial Services of Virginia, Daniel Keeton and the Goochland County Sheriff ’s Office. The athletes were picked up by a church bus and a sheriff ’s cruiser to go to the game, where they were even featured on the stadium jumbotron during the game. With their big state tournament starting in a week in Martinsville, Virginia, the Goochland All-Stars were given a nice day off from their hard work on the field in order to enjoy some profes-

sional baseball in Richmond. Murren says the kids were ecstatic upon learning of the surprise trip, and that they all deserved to have a fun time before they get into tournament action against some of the top All-Star teams in the state. Murren also says the surprise trip wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from Tom’s Auto Service, Kate Thacker Anderson from Pineview Farms and Pastor Curt Kruschwitz from Goochland Baptist Church. Contributed Photos Robby Fletcher can be Left, the Goochland U9 All-Star baseball team sits in the stands at The Diamond in Richmond, reached at rfletcher@powhat- Virginia to watch the Richmond Flying Squirrels on June 25. Right, the Bulldogs head through antoday.com. The Diamond after being surprised with tickets by coach Rick Murren.

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