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28 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER Matt Blundin, a 1992 UVA graduate, and his family are highly respected and well regarded in the state of Virginia. Ultimately, a student-athlete in both football and basketball, the Ridley, Pa., native chose the University of Virginia for its academic reputation and willing- ness to let him play two sports. Blundin said, "My dad put together a VHS high- light tape, back in the day we didn't have Hudl, and sent it to some schools. When I arrived on Grounds I could feel how great of a place this was and how special the people were." As the Athletic Director at Woodberry Forest School in Madison, Va., Blundin advises students that visiting matters. A school may be great on paper but until you go there you can't assess the intangible piece. The "this is the right place for me" feeling. Two of Blundin's sons, Ethan and Cole must have felt that same feeling. Highly involved in the Charlottesville com- munity, Blundin's son Ethan will be a second-year on the football team and his son Cole will be a first-year in the band. Athletically, Blundin saw a number of successes, most notably he was named the ACC Player of the Year in 1991 for his performance, leading the Cavaliers with 19 touchdowns and zero intercep- tions. Blundin sits on the Virginia foot- ball record books for most completed passes without an interception in a season. He wasn't invincible. He faced challenges amidst the rigors that the combined experience of Division I ath- letics and a UVA course load presented, and stated that the people around him supported and challenged him to get through those difficult times. Blundin recognized many coaches, professors like Curry School's Joe Garofalo and Su- san Mintz, and staff members like head athletic trainer Ethan Saliba who truly cared about the young men and women who were growing up at the University of Virginia. Academically, positive role models and educators helped Blundin find his true passion at UVA. "When I was on Grounds, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I looked at Economics and Sports Medicine but through my time I finally figured out I wanted to teach." Blundin stated that his educators growing up showed him the importance of relation- ships and helped him realize his path towards education. The theme of Un- compromised Excellence resonated with Blundin through his time in the NFL. Blundin stated, "I didn't complete my undergraduate math degree until my first year in Kansas City. I had to take a stats class my rookie year to complete my undergraduate degree in mathematics. My day off, Tuesday, I would travel to Lawrence, Kansas, and take a statistics class." Blundin returned to the Univer- sity of Virginia to finish his Master's degree in 2000, persistent to provide a good example for his kids. Blundin carries a sense of apprecia- tion with him in his career today, he states "faith, family, coaches, and edu- cators all helped me grow as a person. The Charlottesville community and the experiences, living on the lawn and meeting my wife and best friend, Amy, those were the most rewarding aspects of my collegiate experience. It was a great place to grow up. I think we all give back because of that sense of gratitude, in the hopes of helping someone else." CAVS FOR LIFE SPOTLIGHT: MATT BLUNDIN Matt and Amy have four sons: Ethan, Cole, Luke and Joseph. Your donation to the Virginia Athletics Foundation, no matter how big or small, is significant to the Virginia Athletics program. To make your pledge or donation, visit VirginiaAthleticsFoundation.com or call (800) 626-8723.