By Tre Woods

Senior Christian Beal is a running back on the varsity football team at East Forsyth High School, but because of his athletic skill, focus, leadership, and achievements, he is making waves far beyond Kernersville. Last year, Christian and the Eagles had a very successful season with a record of 14-1. The team remained undefeated until their loss against Mallard Creek, one step away from the 4AA state championship. Obviously the Eagles have a lot to live up to this season, looking once again for a state championship to put under their belt.

Christian is excited about his last high school football season, but even more he is excited about his future college career at Wake Forest University. He committed to Wake Forest last year, despite receiving offers from both Duke University and East Carolina University. Christian has wanted to play football for Wake Forest since he was nine years old. “It is a dream come true,” he said. “I always wanted to be a running back for Wake Forest.”

His football career is filled with impressive stats. According to Hudl.com, a source for high school football statistics, Christian has a total of 3,855 rushing yards, 467 carries, 62 total touchdowns, and 49 rushing touchdowns with an average of 89.7 average rushing yards per game. He is clearly a very impressive player, but it is also his personality and passion for football that earn him the Student Athlete of the Month title. Christian has worked diligently on and off the field to get to where he is today. The Eagles are sad to see him graduate, but proud to call him one of their own.

He also possesses great leadership skills. He is a captain of the varsity football team and understands the importance of being a leader for both the varsity and junior varsity teams. Jacob Loflin, a sophomore at East Forsyth who plays for the JV team said that Christian “is a great player who works hard for everything he does…He is definitely a role model of mine.” Jacob also said that Christian’s leadership “makes me a better player.”

After attending Wake Forest University, Christian wants to continue on to the NFL. Due to the dedication he displays, along with his impressive footwork, he might do just that. He appreciates all the opportunities he has been afforded and has done his best to live up to the bar he has set for himself. Everyone at East Forsyth High School expects him to go far, but hopefully he will continue to remember the impact Kernersville had on him, and he on it. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!