I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Weirton Madonna’s and West Virginia’s wide receiver Connor Arlia. Arlia, a freshman at West Virginia, entered the season as a preferred walk-on and has earned playing time with hard work and determination.
OVA: Connor, despite the tough loss to LSU, how would you describe your emotions and the teams emotions leading up and following that game?
Arlia: As for myself and the team, the coaches preach each and every week to keep the same mentality. We always respect the opponents and worry about ourselves. We are fired up about every game, keep our heads held high regardless of the outcome and just look to complete the game plan.
OVA: Do you still follow Weirton Madonna High School’s team closely?
Arlia: Absolutely. My parents have taught me never forget where you came from, my high school is the school that made me who I am today. I’m very blessed for all they have given me in my 4 years there. They are a great school and I wish the best of luck. I’ll follow them forever.
OVA: It’s a good story that a Class-A walk-on made the team, what were your feelings when you found out you made it?
Arlia: I was a preferred walk-on coming in so I knew I was gonna be on the team no matter what. It was a matter of working hard and working my way up. I came here in the summer, worked out, had a good two-a-days. I didn’t know how things were gonna pan out and just put it in god’s hands that whatever was meant to happen would. I’m never setteled and I work hard everyday.
OVA: Were you a big Mountaineers fan growing up?
Arlia: Yeah, I was a WVU fan. I wouldn’t say a huge WVU fan, but my whole family is so I always pulled for them. I have to pull for the home state team you know? I’m just happy and blessed to be here. Just like Madonna, I will follow WVU forever also.
OVA: Ok Connor, now that you are officially a Mountaineer, what do you think of when I say Pitt?
Arlia: (Laughs) I don’t think very highly. My dad was a Pitt alumni and is a little bit of a Pitt fan. A quick story for you actually. He has a Pitt keychain and said “you know what, I’m still a pitt fan and I’m not taking this off till you play.” My first game was against Norfolk State and right after the game, he said he finally took it off. I respect them and they are a great ball club, but I don’t like them at all.
OVA: What player has sort of taken you under his wing so far in your time at WVU?
Arlia: I’m a slot wr and everyone are pretty good guys, but probably Willie Milhouse. There are a lot of struggles each and everyday and Willie really works with me and tells me to keep my head up. Everyone has helped me out a lot, but Willie has probably done the most for me.
OVA: Any thoughts on the conference re-alignments that are taking place?
Arlia: I don’t know much about that. I’m just worried about our team and this season. Whatever happens happens concerning the future. I’m just worried about our Big East opener against UConn this weekend.
OVA: Thanks for the time Connor and best of luck. We’ll talk to you soon.
Arlia: No problem at all. Really appreciate it.
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