By Stacey Dec
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Ashburn (February 4, 2016) — On February 3, 2016, Stone Bridge High School senior Chase Ridley signed to continue his football career at Division I West Virginia University beginning in the fall of 2016.
“It’s calming to know where I will be spending the next four years of my schooling career and a dream come true to know that I’ll also have the opportunity to play the game I love,” the 5-foot-10 Ridley said.
After attending two of WVU’s prospect camps, Ridley decided to commit to the Mountaineers to play as a receiver. Ridley — who is originally from Charlotte, N.C. — will move to Morgantown, W. Va to play under head coach Dana Holgorsen — who will be entering his sixth season coaching the Mountaineers.
“Both experiences were extremely valuable to me,” Ridley said. “I learned a lot from the coaches and created many relationships with the staff.”
Aside from football, Ridley mentioned he is excited to attend because of WVU’s nationally ranked business program and strong learning and athletic facilities.
After the Mountaineers’ 8-5 season in 2015, Ridley hopes to help further the team’s success in the Big 12 Conference.
“I believe I will be able to contribute to the aerial attack that the Mountaineers are known for, while also adding another multipurpose threat to the team,” Ridley said.
Ridley has been around sports from a very young age, but mentioned that his dad got him into tackle football when he was seven years old.
“I play for the love of the game,” Ridley said. “I’m an extremely competitive person, and football to me is one of, if not the most competitive sports out there. There’s so much to learn while playing the game. It’s more than just the X’s and O’s; you learn many life lessons that you’ll remember throughout your life.”
Ridley played for the Bulldogs throughout his high school career and helped the team make a six-win comeback after a shaky start to the 2015 regular season. After a long postseason journey to the VHSL 5A state championship at the University of Virginia, the team lost to Highland Springs.
“It was an amazing experience; there’s truly nothing like it,” Ridley said. “I’m blessed to be able to say that I had the opportunity to play in a game such as the state championship. It’s a great game to be a part of and win or lose the experience is something you’ll never forget.”
