To most Texas A&M football fans, Joseph Andrew Villavisencio was known by the nickname given to him by his teammates, “Joey V”. To his teammates at Jacksonville High School, he was known as "Big Joe". To those who knew him off the field, he was simply known as "Joseph". But no matter what they called him, those who had the pleasure of knowing him remember him as a young man of principle who served others, made them laugh, and had a robust passion for life.
Joseph
was born on September 30, 1989 in Jacksonville,
Texas. Joseph was baptized and commissioned at the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. As a boy and youth he was an active participant in the church, even serving as an acolyte and a member of the choir.
Joseph had two loves as a teen: football and playing the tuba. He was equally accomplished at both. Not wanting to choose between the two he explained to his coaches that if he was forced to choose between the two, he would choose band. Given Joseph's size and athleticism, the decision to allow him to do both was an easy one. Throughout his high school years he could be seen on Friday nights playing on the offensive line for the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indian Football Team, and at halftime playing sousaphone for the Fightin' Indian Marching Band. He would then return to the field of play. In spite of these two roles, he never missing a snap during his entire high school career.
During his sophomore season of football he was named 2nd Team All District, then 1st Team All District and 1st Team All Area his Junior year. His senior year, he was named 1st Team All District and Area, 2nd Team All State. In 2008 he was invited to play for the North in the Texas High School Football Association's All Star Game at the Alamodome. The North defeated the South, 16-15.
In band, he qualified for UIL State his freshman, sophmore, junior, and senior years in solos and/or ensembles. He played All Region in symphonic band all four years, and was recognized as a Texas Music Scholar throughout his high school career.
In addition to football and music, Joseph was had an incredible intellect. A passionate reader, he could devour a Harry Potter no time. He excelled academically as well. His junior year he went to UIL State in Biology. He graduated 4th in his class at JHS, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and as a National Hispanic Scholar. He lettered in band, football, and academics. In addition, his classmates voted him Most Likely to Succeed.
Joseph had two loves as a teen: football and playing the tuba. He was equally accomplished at both. Not wanting to choose between the two he explained to his coaches that if he was forced to choose between the two, he would choose band. Given Joseph's size and athleticism, the decision to allow him to do both was an easy one. Throughout his high school years he could be seen on Friday nights playing on the offensive line for the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indian Football Team, and at halftime playing sousaphone for the Fightin' Indian Marching Band. He would then return to the field of play. In spite of these two roles, he never missing a snap during his entire high school career.
During his sophomore season of football he was named 2nd Team All District, then 1st Team All District and 1st Team All Area his Junior year. His senior year, he was named 1st Team All District and Area, 2nd Team All State. In 2008 he was invited to play for the North in the Texas High School Football Association's All Star Game at the Alamodome. The North defeated the South, 16-15.
In band, he qualified for UIL State his freshman, sophmore, junior, and senior years in solos and/or ensembles. He played All Region in symphonic band all four years, and was recognized as a Texas Music Scholar throughout his high school career.
In addition to football and music, Joseph was had an incredible intellect. A passionate reader, he could devour a Harry Potter no time. He excelled academically as well. His junior year he went to UIL State in Biology. He graduated 4th in his class at JHS, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and as a National Hispanic Scholar. He lettered in band, football, and academics. In addition, his classmates voted him Most Likely to Succeed.
When
Joseph was first contemplated where he might spend his college years, Rice
University was high on his list. Studying in a quality engineering program was his biggest priority, and
the program at Rice had his attention.
The possibility of playing football at the collegiate level, especially
on scholarship, had not crossed his mind.
Much to his and his family’s surprise, recruiting letters began to
arrive during his junior year of high school. Among them was a letter from Texas A&M. Joseph had doubts about whether he would ever be offered a scholarship, but at his family's urging, he decided to make a few recruiting trips and explore his options.
Joseph was recruited by then offensive line coach Jim Bob Helduser. He made his first trip to Texas A&M to attend the Aggie’s 2006 game against Louisiana Tech at Kyle Field. His family recalls that he was "blown away" by the game day experience. However, he was receiving interest from other schools as well, including the University of Texas. Joseph made the decision to attend the November 24, 2006 Texas A&M-Texas game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. This would give him a chance to both experience a Longhorn game weekend, and to see how the Aggies performed in their rival’s hometown. During the game, Joseph found himself pulling for the Aggies, who left Austin with a 12-7 victory. Following that game, he made the decision to come to Texas A&M, whether or not he would do so as an athlete. Joseph jumped on the scholarship offer in January 2007. While there was concern over the change in coaching staff, as well as an offer from Rice University, Joseph stuck to his original commitment .
In 2008 Joseph officially became a member
of the Texas A&M University Class of 2012 as a Biomedical Engineering major. He also joined the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football Team. He started the 2008 season on the practice squad, but earned a starting spot for the Iowa State game in Ames. He served on the travel squad from that game on, alternating between both the guard and center positions. Coach Mike Sherman said of Joseph, "He was one of the most respectful and high character players I have ever coached."(1) By the end of his football career at Texas A&M Joseph was a four year letterman.
His biggest contribution to the team was his commitment to the freshmen offensive linemen. He spent a great deal of time working with them and helping them understand the playbook. He also centered for another now famous redshirt freshman, Johnny Manziel. His family tells us that Joseph would have been proud of what Manziel and fellow teammate Luke Joeckel have accomplished personally, and what the Aggies have accomplished as a team in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference.
As much as he had accomplished as an athlete, Joseph never saw himself as primarily a football player. He had friends and interests beyond the football field, including engineering and service opportunities. Joseph's mom recalled him sharing that it was common for friends outside the football program to learn that he played football and ask, "For who?" While he was grateful for the opportunity to play for the Aggies, he was never braggadocios about that honor. The humility he had about his role on the team further evidenced his character and maturity.
Off the gridiron, Joseph had another passion at Texas A&M: his work with CARPOOL, a non-profit student-run organization that provides safe rides home for anyone in the Bryan/College Station area on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Joseph was an active participant, giving rides to students and B/CS residents, many of whom had been drinking and were unable to safely make their way home. He became a leader within the organization, and at the time of his passing was in line to receive a staff position with the organization. Joseph often shared with his family the latest news on CARPOOL, including how many lives they had saved by simply being available to offer others a safe ride home.
His biggest contribution to the team was his commitment to the freshmen offensive linemen. He spent a great deal of time working with them and helping them understand the playbook. He also centered for another now famous redshirt freshman, Johnny Manziel. His family tells us that Joseph would have been proud of what Manziel and fellow teammate Luke Joeckel have accomplished personally, and what the Aggies have accomplished as a team in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference.
As much as he had accomplished as an athlete, Joseph never saw himself as primarily a football player. He had friends and interests beyond the football field, including engineering and service opportunities. Joseph's mom recalled him sharing that it was common for friends outside the football program to learn that he played football and ask, "For who?" While he was grateful for the opportunity to play for the Aggies, he was never braggadocios about that honor. The humility he had about his role on the team further evidenced his character and maturity.
Off the gridiron, Joseph had another passion at Texas A&M: his work with CARPOOL, a non-profit student-run organization that provides safe rides home for anyone in the Bryan/College Station area on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Joseph was an active participant, giving rides to students and B/CS residents, many of whom had been drinking and were unable to safely make their way home. He became a leader within the organization, and at the time of his passing was in line to receive a staff position with the organization. Joseph often shared with his family the latest news on CARPOOL, including how many lives they had saved by simply being available to offer others a safe ride home.
December 22, 2011 began as a day of celebration for Joseph. It was his last day of practice at Kyle Field as a member of the football team. The Aggies were preparing for their appearance in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. He was looking forward to being "just a student" and volunteering more time with CARPOOL. That afternoon Joseph was killed in an automobile accident while heading home for the Christmas holiday. True to his
spirit and life of service, he spent that morning working with then redshirt Joseph Cheek. Following that workout he joined the football team in delivering Christmas gifts to
families at a local shelter.
During his freshman year, offensive line coach Jim Turner asked all of the offensive linemen to describle themselves in one word. Joseph chose the word "tenacity". In the same questionnaire, underneath the word, he wrote, "I will not compromise my moral standards in the face of peer pressure." This statement embodied who Joseph was and how he will be remembered.
Joseph is survived by his mother and father, Christine and Jose “Victor” Villavisencio, and his sister Mikaela (a current Texas A&M student), and his extended family, all of whom loved him dearly, and were loved and inspired by him as well.
On behalf of the Villavisencio family and the volunteers working to make this scholarship fund a reality, thank you for taking the time to learn more about Joseph. Please consider giving to make this scholarship fund a reality by visiting the Texas A&M Foundation website and making a contribution.
During his freshman year, offensive line coach Jim Turner asked all of the offensive linemen to describle themselves in one word. Joseph chose the word "tenacity". In the same questionnaire, underneath the word, he wrote, "I will not compromise my moral standards in the face of peer pressure." This statement embodied who Joseph was and how he will be remembered.
Joseph is survived by his mother and father, Christine and Jose “Victor” Villavisencio, and his sister Mikaela (a current Texas A&M student), and his extended family, all of whom loved him dearly, and were loved and inspired by him as well.
On behalf of the Villavisencio family and the volunteers working to make this scholarship fund a reality, thank you for taking the time to learn more about Joseph. Please consider giving to make this scholarship fund a reality by visiting the Texas A&M Foundation website and making a contribution.
Citations
(1) Aggies lineman dies in car crash, Thursday, Dec 22, 2011. Houston Chronicle, http://blog.chron.com/aggies/2011/12/aggies-lineman-dies-in-car-crash/
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