By Alexandra Dalton

Staff Writer

As a senior attempting to gain acceptance into a good college with the intentions of a sport, the competition can rattle the brains of even the toughest champions. Three senior boys have braved through the hard challenges for the ultimate payoff of getting to play their sport at the school of their choice.

Senior soccer players Kellen Reid and Chris Madden will be heading to Trinity University in San Antonio to add to their soccer team. Reid and Madden have won three district championships, two regional championships, won a state championship and followed it up with another state final appearance this year. They were given the option of large schools, but they ended up picking Trinity for its championship-winning soccer record.

Varsity soccer coach Chad Rakestraw is happy to be seeing them attend such a academically and athletically renowned school, but is not shocked in the least.

“What sets them apart from most top players is their character; they are great leaders for their team, school and community. Their friendship is great, they have played together for a really long time and that is huge for chemistry on the field,” Rakestraw said. “They are getting a combo of two of the best players in the state of Texas, and they will be great for Trinity. They will really enjoy the experience, and having each other to lean on will be greatly beneficial.”

Reid plans on focusing on academics, possibly majoring in business. He still maintains soccer is something he wants to play for as long as possible because he has grown comfortable with commitment and hardwork.

“Talking to some older players that I’ve played with and some of the players at Trinity told me how much they enjoyed it. Soccer has been a large part of my life and I wanted to continue playing in college,” Reid said. “Playing both club and high school demands a lot of practices and games, just as the college level does. Playing both of these at the same time contributed to my preparation and I’m excited to still play with Chris because we’ve been playing together for 10 years.”

 Best friends Reid and Madden say that going to college together will be a definite bonus.

“It helps knowing someone your first year, especially your bestie, to go through the change from high school to college,” Madden said. “I know that college soccer requires a lot more of an athlete, and I’m glad to have someone I can relate to about it.”

Senior George Fairchild will be enduring those physical pressures, but as a part of the cross country team.

“I’m excited for college because Trinity is great academically and athletically, I will be improving as an athlete,” Fairchild said. “Coach Farris has introduced us to a lot of really good work outs so I know I am ready to train hard at Trinity.”

Cross country coach Roxanne Farris agrees Fairchild will be a hit at Trinity due to it being a small school that is still competitive, but maintains that he will have to fight to stay there.

“George is so purpose driven, that with work ethic that is instilled in him he won’t take a day off because he knows what his goal is,” Farris said. “If you’re going to run at college, you have to stay focused otherwise you might not get asked back, but I think if he’s serious it is absolutely achievable.”

Although the workload can be stressful, Fairchild knows what is expected of him.

“I’m not just going to let this opportunity fly past me. Being an athlete, you have a lot more resting on your shoulders,” Fairchild said. “But I am ready for the responsibility because I love running and competing.”

With the big opportunity in front of these CHS students, there are no plans to misrepresent their beloved school.