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Devon Christian wrestles in a match last season. A knee injury in football derailed his wrestling season this year, but he is helping he team as a manager. -
Devon Christian stands before a football game with a brace on his leg from his injury.
Despite this only being his second year as a Blue Devil, senior Devon Christian seems like he was born to be here.
Christian moved to Cordell from Lindale, Texas, last August.
While Christian was no stranger to moving around Texas, this was his first time leaving the state.
“I have moved from several different schools in Texas but never out of state. It was difficult leaving everything that I had in Texas and starting a new life in Oklahoma. I had a hard time making friends when I first moved here, but then I started to have more friends over the summer,” Christian said.
The big move not only brought new friends and opportunities, but also a newfound passion for wrestling.
Christian credits his stepfather Ferrin Cooper on inspiring him to take up the sport. For the pair, the sport allowed them to bond quickly.
“I was inspired mostly by my step-dad Ferrin. He not only loves the sport but has made me love the sport as well. It’s a sport that helps you stay determined and teaches you to never give up, even when situations are tough,” Christian said.
Cooper is thrilled to see Christian take such a liking to wrestling.
“I am proud of Devon, it’s like a dream come true for me. He chose a sport that has tough competition and that means he isn’t afraid of what life throws at him. I can’t wait to see the greatness he will achieve in the future,” Cooper said.
Unlike wrestling, football has been a part of Christian’s life even before he became a Blue Devil.
Christian has loved watching the sport since he was little, and he played for Lindale’s team as a freshman, until a back injury derailed his season.
After healing from this injury and falling in with the Cordell football crowd, Christian decided to give the field another shot.
Playing left guard in his senior season, Christian felt right at home.
Unfortunately, During the first football scrimmage of the year, Christian tore his ACL and sprained his MCL.
The injury had a massive effect on Christian, both physically and emotionally.
“I can’t do certain things that I used to before my injury like running, jumping, lifting heavy objects, or bending my knee. It also makes me upset because I don’t have the chance to play sports again,” said Christian.
Thanks to his friends and family, Christian hasn’t completely lost hope for his senior year. Now managing the wrestling team, Christian is focused on strong leadership, and hopes to inspire his teammates just like his stepfather inspired him.
Teammate Gavin Jasmer is pleased to see Christian managing the team.
“I’m sad that he can’t wrestle with me this season because of his injury from football, but I’m glad that he’ll still be with us. Having another senior around is important,” said Jasmer.
Christian thinks wrestling is much more than a sport.
“It teaches you to endure mental and physical challenges, helping you grow as a person.”
THE CHRISTIAN FILE
YEAR: Senior
SPORTS: Football, wrestling
PARENTS: Stephanie and Ferrin Cooper