The Virginia Football team had an early morning visitor at practice on Thursday as Jim Ryan, the president of the University, stopped by for some running. President Ryan stays active on Grounds, hosting running groups almost every week during the school year. Although distance running and sprinting are two very different things, it looked as though President Ryan held his own with the players.

It was a beautiful morning to Run with the President, as @presjimryan joined us this morning at 6:45 a.m. for our workouts at McCue. #GoHoos #UVA



https://t.co/pjr5XkOR6n pic.twitter.com/C1dT8f382B — Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) June 27, 2019

Based on the photo gallery, Ryan addressed the team before the sprint workout (it’s clear it was before workouts because he was significantly less sweaty). He ambitiously took up a spot between quarterback Bryce Perkins and wide receiver Joe Reed.

Perkins looked a little skeptical to start:

But, the QB was impressed with Ryan’s skills. “He held up great. I didn’t think he was going to be able to finish, because we run at a high volume,” Perkins told Mike Barber of the Richmond-Times Dispatch. “But he’s great in shape. For most part, he made all the times we were making. So that shows what great shape he’s in and what a hard worker he is.”

They mic’d up Shawn Griswold, the Director of Football Development & Performance, which gives you a fun and different perspective on the workout:

Mic'd up today was Shawn Griswold (@UVAStrength) as @presjimryan joined the team this morning for our conditioning at the McCue Center. #GoHoos #UVA pic.twitter.com/9153h9aObC — Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) June 27, 2019

Alumni like Chris Long and Micah Kiser were excited about President Ryan’s appearance:

You think UVA is making a committment to @UVACoachBronco and @UVAFootball? Have you ever seen a school’s president working out with the team?! Future is BRIGHT ⚔️ ⚔️ https://t.co/gND5cYYj47 — Micah Kiser (@kiser_rollin) June 27, 2019

The Cavaliers open the 2019-20 campaign at Pitt on August 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm and will be broadcast on the new ACC Network.