Sports Profile: Chris Andritsos

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Living in an area that can be safely referred to as an athletic bastion rich in sports talent, we get to read a lot of headlines about individual and team achievements. However, often times we know nothing beyond those talents. Who are these young people blessed with such athletic ability?

Well, I'm making a dent today and educating you about not only a great athlete but an even better person in The Woodlands High School senior, multi-sport athlete, Chris Andritsos.

Although young in age, Chris's physical achievements are many. But, if you ever have the pleasure of talking to him you'll find that he is a self admitted open book. The genuine article, if you will. This isn't just an act either because you can talk to teachers and students alike and they'll tell you that Chris is a nice person that looks out for others and is very aware of his surroundings. These surroundings include playing on arguably the best high school baseball program in the nation as a freshman. Also, QB1 as a sophomore.

It's a safe bet that if you looked at 100 young athletes with similar paths, the majority of them would be full of themselves on the verge of ruining everything they've worked hard for. Why? Because when a young person is thrown into the limelight at an early age, immaturity can take over. I'll bet on Chris not becoming a cautionary tale.

Meet Chris Andritsos in this week's Woodlands Online Profile...

How long have you been playing baseball?

I started playing at the YMCA when I was 4. A friend of our family's was coaching.

How did you become interested in baseball?

I don't remember how I first became interested in baseball, I just know that I have loved the game for as long as I can remember.

Go through all of the organizations you have played for that you think helped you the most besides TWHS.

Turn 2 Rattlers for 6 years, Played with Luken Baker and Beau Ridgeway. We won three National Championships: Triple Crown, 9U; USSSA 10U and National Youth Baseball Championship 12U. Houston Sox for 2 years, Houston Kyle Chapman for 4 years. Each team helped me hone my skills and taught me valuable lessons to play at the next level.

What are your college aspirations if you go that route?

Where and what field of study. The University of Oklahoma to study Geology. My dad went there and I have been going to baseball camps there since I was 6 or 7. My sister is a sophomore there now.

Do you like TWHS and why?

TWHS has given me many opportunities to succeed, beyond sports. I've had good teachers that have challenged me. I enjoy watching my friends and classmates compete. There is a lot of tradition at TWHS making for a great environment. Describe the TWHS baseball program. I grew up watching TWHS baseball. I've been going to games with my dad for as long as I can remember. It's been an honor to play behind, and with, so many great players. In a program steeped in tradition, I've been fortunate to play Varsity Baseball for 4 years. Coach Eastman and the rest of the coaches have been great to work with.

What do you enjoy doing away from school and baseball?

I enjoy: Hunting deer and birds with our 2 bird dogs, Lucy and Desi. Fishing, golfing and working on my Jeep.

Who is your role model for baseball?

Madison Bumgarner for his approach to the game and how he competes every time he's on the field.

Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family has always been supportive, helping me find the right teams to play for and the appropriate coaches to work with. They have driven me all over for practice, lessons and tournaments. Family vacations were always planned around the big tournaments, Steamboat Springs and Orlando. We did it as a family.

Describe an event in baseball that you were involved in that you can look back on as THE most fun time you've ever had in baseball.

My BEST memory: Winning the Texas 5A State Championship 2013. We started as a group of players in January and over the next few months we became family. We spent a lot of time on the road, fought through challenging circumstances and played some great baseball. That Saturday in June is one that I will always remember.

TWHS Baseball Coach Ron Eastman elaborates as to Chris Andritsos, the person" "Chris has been a mainstay for more than just the last four years in that he has been around our dugout watching our guys while he was in junior high. He has a lot of fun with life but in between the lines he's a serious competitor. The past two years he has been a leader and through his quiet actions, supportive of his younger teammates which has been a strong point for us. Most of all, Chris makes me smile and exemplifies why I Coach."

Not surprisingly, Chris is a popular young man. When you speak to him, although he is very focused driven knowing exactly what is at stake in his young life, you get the impression that if his baseball future disappeared into thin air, he'd be ok with it because he has a strong bond with his family and many valued friendships.

Andritsos is the anti-Bo Callahan in the movie, Draft Day. In Draft Day, the NFL's Cleveland Browns General Manager called potential #1 draft pick, Callahan at crunch time and wanted to know if the rumor was true that none of his teammates showed up to his 21st birthday party. Callahan said he couldn't remember. The truth is that none of his teammates liked him and didn't attend.

Rest assured when Chris has his 21st birthday party, past and present teammates will show up in droves. This is a well rounded young man who values the people around him.

Whatever next year brings for Chris Andritsos, he will never forget the people around him.

See you at his 21st birthday party. I'm reasonably sure there will be an open door policy.