PRESS RELEASE
Fork Union Military Academy recently announced two new additions to its head coaching ranks, both of whom are alumni of the Academy.
Taking the reins of the prep football program will be Edward L. Handsome, a member of the Class of 1994. Handsome was a standout defensive back at Henrico High School prior to joining Fork Union’s football team as a postgraduate. He continued his playing days at the college level, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University where his playing honors included being a three-year letter winner, three-year team captain, an All-CIAA team selection, and Most Valuable Player of both the Labor Day Classic and the all-star East Coast Bowl Game. He played at the professional level with the Richmond Speed of the Arena Football League.
Jacob Grabeel, a Class of 2017 graduate of the Academy, returned to campus this fall as a math instructor after earning his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College. Grabeel knows the baseball diamond at the Academy very well, having been a three-year captain of the baseball team during his time as a cadet. He has now been selected to be the head coach of the baseball team. Coach Roger Bowles, one of Grabeel’s coaches when he was a cadet, will remain to support him as an assistant coach.
A native of Gordonsville, while a cadet at Fork Union, Grabeel earned two-time All-State, two-time All-Prep, and All-Central Virginia team honors. He was a two-time winner of the Jackie Jensen Award, the 2016 best pitcher award, and the 2017 best hitter award. In addition, he earned Dean’s List honors for his academic achievements as well as the Officers Reserve Award and a Leadership Award for his service as a cadet officer. He continued on from Fork Union to play baseball at the college level with Bridgewater College where he played for five seasons as a pitcher, catcher, and outfielder.
