Avery Vikings senior gridiron standout Chris Childress will be playing football at the college level this fall, as he has signed to play college football for Mars Hill College.Childress shined as a quarterback and wide receiver for the Vikings on offense, while also excelling as a defensive back with four interceptions for Avery this past season. He takes his skills to the next level, joining head coach Tim Clifton’s team at Mars Hill College.
“I’m looking forward to Mars Hill. It’s the only school that I sent tape to, and I’ve heard a lot of great things about the school,” Childress said during Monday’s signing day press conference at Avery High School. “Coach (Mars Hill head football coach Tim) Clifton has been impressed with the players that have come from Avery, and how they aren’t afraid to stick their nose in and be hit or deliver a hit to somebody, and he said he’s looking forward to working with me, and I’m really looking forward to working with he and his staff too.”
Childress joins a Lions team that already boasts a pair of Avery players on its roster in Zach Johnson and Trevor Shields, and has just graduated another Avery alumnus in quarterback Ricky Spradling.
Childress looks forward to playing on a Lions team that has shown in the past that it likes to use the passing game. “I’m excited about being part of a passing team. I love catching the ball and making plays, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they lead me to do and perform for them,” Childress added.
Chris was joined at his signing day by parents Danny and Christina Childress, as well as grandmother Mary Alice Childress. Chris’s family are extremely proud of what he has been able to accomplish at Avery and look forward to him continuing his education and playing career at the college level, particularly at a college with the reputation and proximity of Mars Hill.
“We’re really excited for Chris. This has always been something he has wanted to do since second grade, and it will be like old times with Chris playing with some of his Avery teammates,” Chris’s father Danny commented. “He’s worked hard for this and we’re really proud of him. It’s definitely a dream come true for him, and the fact that it is close by also helps a lot.”
“The coaches were impressed with the players that have come from Avery and of how they were like family, and how every kid they’ve ever had from up here have been successful there,” Chris’s mother Christina added. “The coaches were impressed with Chris and what they saw on tape, and are excited and looking forward to having Chris play there.”
The Childress family was appreciative of those who have helped Chris have this opportunity, including Avery Middle School head football coach Donnie Johnson who put his highlight tape together, as well as the Avery High coaches who have helped Chris throughout his high school career.
“I’ve known Chris and his family since he was a little boy, and to see him come through here and work and have a great career has been a neat thing. I’m really proud of him and glad to see him have the opportunity to continue playing on at Mars Hill,” Avery Vikings head football coach Darrell Brewer remarked. “It’s a good complement to our program that Mars Hill has never had a player there that they didn’t like. It goes back to the families in this area and that the coaches know they’re gonna get a dang good football player.”
Childress had a slow start to his senior season and was limited in his football capacities due to an elbow injury sustained in the early summer, but battled back to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2008.
“A lot of kids probably would have hung it up after what he went through. I think the injury had a little effect on play at times this year but he never complained. He worked hard and played right through it,” Coach Brewer stated. “Coach Clifton and those guys will get him in the weight room and put a little weight on him. I believe he’ll be a great fit for them at Mars Hill. They’re excited about how he worked out for them and have told me they were really excited about getting another Avery County boy.”
Childress was proud and appreciative to have the chance to play football for Coach Brewer and his staff at Avery High. “The coaches pushed us and they expect the best out of us. I never expected to be able to go to school to play football, but figured it might be for baseball,” Childress said. “Coach (Donnie) Johnson at the middle school put together a tape for Mars Hill for me, and I figured I’d send it in for the heck of it. They looked at it and liked what they saw.”
Also an outstanding player on the diamond for the Avery baseball team, Childress hopes he might get the opportunity to also try out for the baseball squad for the Lions. “I spoke with the baseball coach and he told me I could walk on there and possibly have a chance to make the team,” Chris explained. “I had a little interest in playing baseball for other schools, but didn’t have the football opportunity that Mars Hill has offered.”
