With commitment to Mary Baldwin, Kirksey gives Carter Academy two college commits in a week
CHESTER, Va. (BVM) — When it rains it pours. Just one day after Carver College and Career Academy senior Aaron Wilson became the first Carver student-athlete to sign a full-ride scholarship with an athletics program, fellow cross country runner Christopher Kirksey announced his decision on Twitter to also continue his athletic career at nearby Division III Mary Baldwin University.
“First I want to thank God for giving me the ability to prosper through this sport. I want to thank my family, friends, and my coach that pushed me to excel as a student athlete and never giving up on me,” Kirksey wrote in his announcement. “I also want to say thank you for being the only college for giving me a chance #MBU. Very excited to announce my commitment to Mary Baldwin University to continue my academics and athletic career.”
100% committed 💛🐿 pic.twitter.com/no0r50yDP2
— Christopher Kirksey (@KirkseyChris_) April 15, 2021
Kirksey has been a consistent contributor to the Wolverines cross country team over the past two years. As a junior, Kirksey appeared in the Virginia High School League Class 1A Region B meet where he placed No. 31 in the 5,000 meter with a time of 21:43.22. During the VHSL Class 1A Region B Championships on April 13, the senior improved to No. 27 with a time of 22:12.75, finishing second on the team behind Wilson, who finished No. 12 with a time of 19:01.00.
With a school population of just over 300 students, to have not one, but two student-athletes advancing to the collegiate level from one program is quite the feat for Carter Academy. While it shows the program’s ability to produce fine athletes, credit must be given of course to both Wilson and Kirksey for reaching levels that have been rarely seen by other Carter athletes.
For Kirksey, though he may only have gotten one opportunity to prove himself in college, he only needed one opportunity and will look to prove Mary Baldwin right.
