Sports

The integration of the Virginia football team

How a handful of Cavaliers changed our football program forever — and for the better



Cornerback Gary Ham became the first Black player on the Virginia football team after walking on.

Andy Stickney & Howard Weinberg | The Cavalier Daily

By Sarah Pettycord
February 11, 2022

We’re only 52 years removed from 1970 — the first year in Virginia Athletics history when Black athletes were given scholarships and spots on the football roster.

Harrison Davis, Stan Land, Kent Merritt and John Rainey all came to the University as freshmen in 1970 as the first four Black athletes with athletic scholarships. Gary Ham, a cornerback, also walked on to the varsity team that year, becoming the first Black player on varsity.

Davis joined the freshmen squad as a quarterback, Land as a defensive end and Merritt and Rainey as running backs. Coached by Al Groh, these four athletes came in with two objectives — win and get an education.

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