Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veterans Stadium

Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veterans Stadium Fundraising Campaign

So many past and present students walk on the field determined to lead their team to a victory. Studies show athletes bring leadership skills to the work place, so you could say it all begins on the field. Future leaders of our country. The new athletic fields will help nurture and grow future leaders from our area.

Thank you for helping the dream of a athletic complex honoring some of our area heroes and help create new ones.

Who were Chase Prasnicki and Drew Ross?

Chase Prasnicki and Drew Ross grew up in the Lexington / Rockbridge area. As children they both participated on many of the area recreational teams, and developed into stars on those teams. All kids dream of leading their team to victory. Chase and Drew were no different as there was nothing sweeter than a win. Little did they realize being part of these hometown teams was actually preparing them for their futures. As they grew older and entered high school, their aspirations became greater. They yearned for more than just a victory for the hometown school as they wondered where the local fields would carry them. As athletes they had learned the importance of teamwork, trust, and how to overcome adversity and conflict. Strong coaches teach athletes how to think strategically and shift course when necessary. So when contemplating their education after high school, naturally both selected the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, they chose to serve and lead our country as officers in the United States Army.

Chase was actually a couple years older than Drew, so he started West Point a little earlier. He was a gifted athlete, and his sport of choice was football. Chase was the talk of the town, this amazing quarterback for the Wildcats. When he arrived at West Point, he continued his love of football and became a leader and player for Black Nights Army team. Not only did he support the team on the field but also by mentoring and tutoring players that needed help. West Point and playing for ARMY allowed his leadership skills to continue to flourish on and off the field. Following graduation, those leadership skills evident, he was assigned as a platoon leader with the 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. On the fatal night, as he had always done, he chose to put others first and volunteered to lead his team.

Drew was no different. A gifted athlete whose sport of choice was soccer and that love started at a very young age as he watched the VMI players under his father’s leadership. He lead his RCHS teams to many victories nurturing his traits of strong leadership, fast critical thinking, and confidence. He too chose West Point and wanted to serve his country in the Army after graduation. Drew was a Captain and led a Special Forces team for two tours in Afghanistan. The Special Forces are given some of the toughest missions in the Armed Forces, and Drew took each mission with complete confidence that they would be successful. Leading his Special Forces team, it was critical thinking, strategic planning and confidence that helped Drew and his team complete many successful missions.

Honor and Develop Future Leaders

 The athletic complex improvement initiative at Rockbridge County High School is not only an honor to Chase Prasnicki and Drew Ross, but other former Rockbridge County students who have participated on high school teams and served our country in various branches of the military. The main athletic field has not been updated since construction in 1992. The high school has continued to grow in population and more athletic teams have also been added. Practice fields are always in high demand and with limited facilities, our teams struggle to find practice space. We look forward to upgrading the game field at RCHS and adding the memorial for Chase and Drew. Once the game field and stadium is complete, the construction of practice fields will be next on the list. We are very fortunate to have the designated field location already permitted and ready for construction.

In honor of Chase Prasnicki and Drew Ross, as well as for our future Rockbridge County athletes, please consider supporting this worthy campaign!!

As proven by Chase and Drew, participation in sports builds confidence and character in high-pressure situations. They also help mold the future leaders of our country.

Thank you for your Support!