FEATURED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Chris Murray, North Putnam

Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Chris Murray

Chris Murray is a senior at North Putnam and participates in football, basketball and track and field.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Chris Murray: “Sports are really important to me, and you learn a lot from them like leadership and how your teammates interact with each other. You can make another family that way.”

BG: Talk about each of your sports, with how long you’ve played them and how they have gone for you.

CM: “I’ve been playing football and basketball since fifth grade. In football, I was a lineman and I ended up being a running back. In basketball, I was a big and I turned into a guard. I didn’t start track until sixth grade, and I was just a sprinter but I got moved around to do the 400 and different events.”

BG: What was football like this year?

CM: “It all started last summer with our seniors. We got really close and connected better as a whole unit, from seniors to freshmen. Our coach gave us goals and made sure we met those goals. We knew we had more potential than the way last year ended, and coach helped us to turn it around. I think I played pretty well. I couldn’t have done it without my linemen and my coaches.”

BG: In basketball, you’re going to be one of the most experienced players. How is that team looking?

CM: “This year is going to be different. I am going to have to score more, and not be just a role player. We’re going to have to run through [Andrew] Pickel a lot, and he’s going to be a big part of our game.”

BG: Your relay team in track last year came really close to qualifying for the state meet. What can you do to shave off just a little bit of time in the spring?

CM: “The top three in regionals go to the state, and in the 4x100 relay we set the school record. We missed going to the state by a tenth of a second. This year we have to practice our handoffs and everything, and we will have to replace Brandon Barker [relay team member who graduated]. We are all going to have to step up.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

CM: “In middle school, I don’t remember what grade or even what sport, but I brought the totally wrong jersey than what we were supposed to have. I asked the coach what I was supposed to do, and they just let me play wearing it. It was pretty embarrassing.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

CM: “I am in Key Club and SALT [Student Athlete Leadership Team], and I go to those when I can.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

CM: “I like to eat, and hang out with my friends. We like to go to China Buffet and just hang out and just talk about how our weeks are going.”

BG: What are your favorites in movies, TV and music?

CM: “My favorite TV show is the ‘Big Bang Theory.’ I will listen to any kind of music, and my favorite kind of movies is any action or superhero film. I enjoy all of those.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

CM: “I would like to go to an NFL game. That’s really high on my bucket list. Especially a Seattle Seahawks game. I started liking them when I saw Marshawn Lynch run, and he was just so explosive. The way he would carrry his team was just crazy and I wanted to be like him.”

BG: What are your favorite and least favorite foods?

CM: “My favorite food is bacon or strawberries. My least favorite is seafood.”

BG: If your house was on fire, and all living things were already out, what is one thing you would go back and get?

CM: “All my pictures I’ve had throughout the years to keep all the memories. I have quite a few of those.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

CM: “Fun. I am fun by kind of just going with the flow and not being uptight. I like to have fun and cheer on my team.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

CM: “St. Louis. To see the arch, and go up in it, the view is insane.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience, both academically and athletically.

CM: “I was homeschooled through fifth grade, and I’ve been at North Putnam since then.”

BG: What was that transition like?

CM: “It was tough. I didn’t really know anybody other than a couple of people I played sports with. I didn’t really know what to do at school. I met some good friends who have helped me through since then.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

CM: “I first want to go to Ivy Tech to do the ASAP program, and then transfer to Vincennes University to study some kind of business. I’m not sure exactly what kind of job I want to have.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

CM: “Mr. [Jim] Brothers was a P.E. teacher. I still see him as a substitute teacher, and he gives me advice on a lot of things — not just school-related, just life related.”

BG: After college, do you have plans to live somewhere in the mountains or on the beach, or do you want to live around here?

CM: “I’ll be staying in Putnam County if possible, so I’d like to come back and see the football games and other activities.”