LEXINGTON (WSLS-10 SPORTS) Not one, not two, no where near three. Make it 18. That is the number of players on the VMI roster that represents southwest Virginia. Whether they're from Salem, Hidden Valley or Franklin County they're all making an imprint on the gridiron. Coach Wachenheim says our area is one that he's had his eye on for quite some time.
"I recruited southwest Virginia when I was at Virginia for five years and I always thought there was under utilized talent.
We are making an effort to go down there and get the best players," explains VMI's second year head coach.
And although they were competitors in southwest Virginia on the gridiron they're now teammates here at VMI...looking to accomplish a big goal for the Keydets.
"I think we're going to do some great things this year. Last year we were 2-9 but close in every game but this year I think we're going to amp it up and have a good season," says receiver Mason Dermott, a former Hidden Valley star.
The players say they're benefiting from playing with their former rivals.
"Knowing people and knowing where people are from...it's kinda like you know them and they kinda help you out through the rat line through football," explains quarterback Austin Coulling, a former Salem high standout...
"The team is really...everybody loves each other. That's just the thing coming here. You go through all the stuff but once you're through it its just family so it's just really great and good to be here," says linebacker Tyler Fedison, also a former Salem High standout.
It's another bond on the field Wachenheim and the Keydets hope will translate to wins in 2016.