Eager to fulfill a personal goal while making family history, Christian Thompson has his eyes set on a college football career.The Wright City senior recently signed a letter of intent to play at Missouri Baptist University this fall, hoping to continue the success he experienced for the Wildcats.“I’ve been wanting to play college football since my junior year, when I decided football was a better path for me than basketball,” said Thompson. “I really cracked down and started focusing more on football.”He chose Missouri Baptist over Lindenwood-Bellville, enticed by the chance to make an early impact for the second-year program, which is still in developmental stage.“What made me like it is the coaching staff is really connected with their players,” said Thompson. “It’s much like Wright City, so it should be an easy transition.”A three-sport standout for the Wildcats, Thompson realized he had a chance to do something unprecedented.“My dad lost his opportunity to go play in college, and it really made me think about how I wanted to play any kind of college sport just to be the first in my family to do it,” said Thompson. “Now that I’ve got the opportunity to play football, I’m pretty excited.”A contributor on both sides of the ball for Wright City, Thompson has played offensive and defensive line, as well as running back, for the Wildcats. Last season he recorded a team-best 89 tackles.“Christian has explosive ability in his legs, which I think will serve him well,” said Coach Matt Brooks.” I think that’s going to be his best attribute. He’s good through his hips and that area.”With his size not being ideal for the trenches, Thompson expects to switch positions at the collegiate level.“Middle linebacker is probably what I’d be best suited for in college,” said Thompson. “I have the speed but not the size to be a lineman in college. For my size, though, I’m pretty fast.”He believes that explosiveness and competitive nature will afford him an early opportunity to contribute.“With it being a new program, the chance to get involved early is there,” said Thompson. “I can go into my first year believing I can compete right away and make a difference.”Thompson credits the coaching staff at Wright City for his development.“All the coaches there never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself,” said Thompson. “They didn’t let me quit. They made me step up and listened to me about how I thought I could be good at different positions. They tested me at those positions, and it worked out.”Thompson hopes to have a similar impact at Missouri Baptist, where he plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine. He aspires to be able to return to Wright City and give back to the program that gave so much to him.

Wright City senior Christian Thompson recently signed his letter of intent to play football for Missouri Baptist University. Pictured are, from left, Cristal Beemann, mother; Christian Thompson and Jackie Thompson. Back row — Mike Beemann; Doug Smith, Wright City athletic director; Matt Brooks, Wright City football coach; and Alicia Gilbert. Jana Todd photo.

Jana Todd photo.