Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

Local Sports

Related Photos

  • Hokie hopeful ... Andrew Murray (second from right) of Tazewell High School announced he is accepting an invitation from Virginia Tech to walk on with the Hokies’ football team. Murray, who was a standout kicker and punter for the Bulldogs, is joined by grandmother Cecelia Stone (left), father Chad Murray and mother Daphne Murray. In back are former coach Terry Smith, head football coach Brandon Tate, athletic director Tom Keene and principal Keith Hovis. Contributed photo by Larry Hypes

    Murray Signs

  • Tazewell’s Andrew Murray follows through on a 47-yard field goal last season against Graham. Mikal Moore was Murray’s holder for much of the campaign. File photo by Mike Davis

    Taz Kicker

Discussion

February 8, 2012

Hokies beckon Murray

Tazewell kicker accepts invitation to walk on at Virginia Tech

By LARRY HYPES Bluefield Daily Telegraph

TAZEWELL, Va. — Andrew Murray is hoping to make a college career out of having a leg up on the competition.

Murray, recently invited by Virginia Tech to become a walk-on kicking prospect for the Hokies, made his intentions officially known Tuesday to  pursue the invitation.

Surrounded by family and friends, the Tazewell High School senior talked about his desire to play Atlantic Coast Conference football.

“Tech has always been my favorite team,” says Murray, who broke the Tazewell school record with a 53-yard field goal against George Wythe during the 2011 season.

He had a near-44-yard punting average for Tazewell, including a long kick of 69 yards this past fall.

“I want to work hard, make the team, and make an impact once I do,” he adds.

Murray is not only a football letterman, but has played varsity soccer for three years, and also spent a season on the junior varsity basketball team.

He has a 3.8 grade point average and plans a career either in engineering or sports medicine.  

Murray has played for three coaches, including Bobby Wyatt, Terry Smith, and current Bulldog leader Brandon Tate.

Tate, who spent four years on the West Virginia University squad, said, “Andrew is a great kid. I am extremely proud of him. This is a very big deal. He will go from playing local teams to competing against the very best talent in America. I have no doubt he will do well.”

Murray is anxious to begin his workouts the first week in July. He has been talking with Virginia Tech staff member Charley Wiles, the defensive line coach, as his contact person.

In addition to sports, he says the atmosphere at the Blacksburg school is suited for him. A popular student-athlete, he is Student Council president, secretary of the Distributive Education club, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Power-T Team, Latin Club, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Murray made some big plays during his senior football season in addition to his kicking. He caught a 70-yard pass, scored on a 63-yard run, and led the team in passing yards on Senior Night when the Bulldogs hosted Richlands.

“From a dad’s perspective, I am elated,” noted Chad Murray, who is not only a football father but also president of the Tazewell High School Athletic Foundation which is currently involved in a project to renovate the field house complex with community and school board support.

“You always want to see your children succeed, and Andrew is at what could be the beginning of a great future,” says Murray. “Andrew has done well in a highly visible setting, being in front of fans every Friday night and now he is preparing to take that to the next level.

“It is very exciting to have him doing well in school, be a good son, and have an opportunity like this at a great like Virginia Tech. Right now, I am trying to take this in stride and continue to be supportive in the best way.”

Smith, still on the faculty at Tazewell, was pleased for — and impressed by — his former player.

“Andrew is one of the best (players) I have coached, and I have been around some good ones,” said Smith, who also played at Virginia Tech. “He has earned this opportunity. We set up several camps for him in the past year — Clemson, Georgia Tech, UVA, and Virginia Tech. He has been impressive.

“In the old days, a kicking camp usually meant going and kicking some, watching film, and seeing the coach. Now, it’s pressure. They say ‘I have a full ride scholarship so show me what you can do’ and Andrew has done well going through that. “I was down at Tech when he worked out and Coach (Frank) Beamer was impressed with him.”

Murray’s mother, Daphne, is also thrilled at the prospects that lie ahead for her son.

“Today is the culmination of all his (Andrew’s) hard work. He has loved Virginia Tech since he could walk, way before he could kick a football,” she said. “He’s come out to the field in all kinds of weather, had his friends/teammates hold the ball.

“He would never have gotten to this point without the help of his teammates working with him and he will tell you that. He has been diligent, going to camp, working at home, kicking into a net in the garage — you name it — and Andrew has been faithful to keep trying to improve.

“I am glad he is getting this opportunity because it is truly a dream come to life.”

Tazewell principal Keith Hovis also weighed in on Murray.

“We are proud of Andrew. He is a quality individual who will get an opportunity with a quality program,” Hovis said. “Everyone at Tazewell High is proud of what he has accomplished here and wishes the very best for him.”

Bulldog athletic director Tom Keene, also the football special teams coach, added, “Andrew is an outstanding worker. He listens to what he is told and uses advice to make improvements, to better his kicking technique.

“Every coach appreciates having players who work hard and listen and Andrew is a great example of that.”

Several of Murray’s teammates and friends were also present for the signing ceremony.

“Andrew has what athletes call ‘a big leg’ and he will have a chance to use it on the big stage” Ryan Hankins said.

John Walker added, “Andrew has been kicking in soccer and football since Little League and we have been friends all that time. I took forward to being at Virginia Tech while he is there and watching him make the team”

Murray, who lives in Tazewell with his parents and brothers, Josh and Adam, is excited for the opportunity that lies ahead.

“My family has pushed me to keep improving, my friends, and everyone at Tazewell has been so supportive but I have to start by thanking God for blessing me with this opportunity.” Murray said. “I want to do my best to make something good happen.”

Text Only
Local Sports