WB Spotlight on #33 Christine Michael

In sports, much is said about the fundamentals. Coaches preach that one can never be a great player unless he/she is fundamentally sound. One Bruin, who is on the verge of greatness, bears out the importance of being fundamentally sound in order to reach his goals. Even more important than Christine Michael’s football skills, his adherence to the fundamentals of God, Family and Citizenship are what keep him grounded, focused and a role model.

God is central in his daily life. Before games, West Brook’s #33 can commonly be found reading the Bible or discussing scripture with Coach Joe Bowser. His commitment to Christ extends to fellowship at his church’s Men’s Retreat and his ministry as an usher and member of the Sunday Choir. Chris embodies the virtues that he trumpets by trying to live out the ideals expressed by King David in Psalm 101 regarding the effort to live a “blameless life”. This permeates his every endeavor, even in his leisure time. As an example, he recently read Become a Better You, by Joel Osteen. His commitment to Christ is indeed fundamental.

Christine’s reliance on his relationship with his own step-father has also helped to prepare him as life’s pace has picked up and the stakes have been raised. His step-dad always told Chris to demand a great deal from himself, so that he would be equipped to perform at the highest level. The Bruin running back further advanced his skills by attending the University of Texas’ football camp. He works hard in school, where he is on the A/B Honor Roll. Deuteronomy 5:16 reads: “Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee... “. Michael honors his step-father by naming him as his most important role model.

Christine recalls the lessons he learned from his 1st Grade Teacher, Ms. Spooner. She taught about the importance of conduct and citizenship. He hasn’t forgotten the teacher who encouraged him. Nor has he forgotten that in the absence of these fundamentals, little else matters. He is known by lower classmen as a keen practitioner of levity. He can be disarmingly funny. He says that he knows that there is a time for work and a time for play. During his “time for play”, things get raucous. He relishes the opportunity to hide teammates’ clothes. And, he recently got in the whirlpool with all his clothes on to hug an injured and dejected teammate. That big infectious smile can make a player forget his sore spots. And, it is happily disarming to the younger players to whom he is initially intimidating. He sets a fine example for them to remember as funny, but also disciplined and respectful.

Things are going well for Christine Michael on the field and off. He keeps it simple. Keep Jesus Christ central. Honor your father and mother. Work hard. Be kind to others. Be a good citizen. Success doesn’t need to be complicated. #33 is all about the fundamentals.