MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Seven West Virginia football players began an unforgettable experience off the gridiron this week with a trip to Europe through the 5th Quarter Program, an initiative designed to educate student-athletes with an approach centered around five pillars — character development, leadership development, real life, career development and social responsibility.
Quarterback Garrett Greene, wide receiver Graeson Malashevich, offensive linemen Ja’Quay Hubbard and Nick Malone, bandit Jared Barlett, defensive lineman Jalen Thornton and defensive back Malachi Ruffin are part of a group which bussed Monday from Morgantown to Dulles International Airport ahead of a flight that left for the overseas excursion later that night.
“We’ve met some WVU grads that are really successful in a variety of different fields and gotten to talk with them and meet with them,” Greene said as a guest on CityNet Statewide Sportsline. “Now going over to Germany to really see how business is conducted across the pond and get to experience some things culturally that some of us necessarily would not get this opportunity.”
The 5th Quarter Program, introduced in May of 2020, expanded two years after its unveiling to create unique educational opportunities for select student-athletes. That was the result of a $1.6 million gift from WVU alumni John and Elaine Chambers.
“Ja’Quay has been over and Malone has,” said Greene, who added he visited Europe multiple times with his family as a kid. “Those are the only two guys I’ve talked to that have been over to Europe. A lot of those guys have been to various other countries, but this is the first time going to Europe. It’s a really cool area and it’s crazy how close all the countries are together, which is something that Americans don’t really get used to.”
Greene believes he and his teammates will combine educational experiences with free time to bring balance to and make the most of a unique trip.
“They’ve done a good job of giving us the rundown and itinerary for when we have to be on our ‘A’ game and really susceptible to learn things,” Greene said, “but then also, they’re giving us some free time to go do our thing.”
Greene and Malashevich plan to visit Greece over the weekend, and the signal-caller says football will factor into the trip in spots.
“Graeson and I plan on getting up early in the morning and we reached out to multiple gyms up there to give them a taste of real football — not the stuff they play over there,” Greene said. “The football made the trek across the pond.”
The trip also provides the group with a chance to experience unique aspects specific to a country, including various foods. However, Greene says he’ll follow the guidance of two players responsible for protecting him on the football field when it comes to settling on cuisine during the trip.
“I’m kind of just going to play it by ear and kind of let Hubbard and Malone handle that,” Greene said. “They’re not shying away from a meal, so I know that they’re going to find it. I’m going to follow them and see where they take me.”