By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
MOUNT ULLA ó With a berth in the 3A state championship game on the line, this is not the week for distractions at West Rowan.
Star running back K.P. Parks assured that the firing of Virginia coach Al Groh will not be one.
Parks, North Carolina’s all-time leading rusher and one of 17 commitments to Virginia, said the firing has not changed his mind.
“Not at all,” Parks said Monday morning. “I’m still solid in my commitment. They’re going to honor my scholarship, and they’re still showing me love. So I’m good.”
Parks and West (14-0) are preparing for the Western final this week at home against Waynesville Tuscola (13-1).
Virginia lost 42-13 to Virginia Tech on Saturday, ending the Cavaliers’ season with six straight defeats. Virginia finished 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the ACC. It was Groh’s eighth loss to Frank Beamer’s squad in nine tries.
Groh, 65, was 59-53 since taking over the Cavaliers in 2000. He was named ACC Coach of the Year twice ó in 2002 and 2007.
Parks attended Saturday’s game in Charlottesville, Va., along with many potential teammates.
“I saw a lot of commitments there, and I asked them if they were good,” Parks said. “They said they’re still solid with their commitments.”
Parks said honoring his commitment is more about academics than who the coach is.
“I feel UVa. will be a great place for me academic-wise,” he said.
Parks was contacted about Groh’s firing Sunday.
“You pick a school based on the school, not the coaching staff that is there,” said West coach Scott Young, who believes Parks will be playing for a quality coach as Virginia conducts a national search.
“Now, K.P. really liked the coaching staff that was there. But the University of Virginia is not going to hire a fly-by-night person. They’ve had George Welsh. They’ve had Al Groh. I’m sure whoever they hire this time is going to be a top-notch coach.”
Parks, like Groh, must move on.
“Al Groh is a great coach and a great guy,” Parks said. “Things just didn’t work out.”
Young said he is happy that Virginia will not turn its back on this year’s recruits.
“The University of Virginia, coming from the athletic director (Craig Littlepage), is going to honor the 17 commitments they have, regardless of who the new coach is,” Young said. “So K.P. is still going to the University of Virginia.”