American dream comes true as Chris achieves his college scholarship goal

Aug 14 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

American dream comes true as Chris achieves his college scholarship goal

A MOTHERWELL athlete is about to realise his goal of studying in America while playing college football, after being granted a sports scholarship by Augustana College in Illinois.

Chris McCrum (18), a sprinter and Level 1 coach with Motherwell Athletics Club, and wide-receiver for Clyde Valley Hawks American Football Club, has been awarded an International Study Academic Award to study PE, sports science and professional coaching at the college over the next four years.

Chris is due to fly over to the Sates this week.

While in America, Chris will play National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One football with Augustana Vikings, under the guidance of coach Jim Barnes.

Dad Robert, who is a coach at Motherwell Athletics Club, said he’ll miss Chris as a son, a friend and as a coach,.

However, he knows the opportunity is too good for his son to turn down.

He said: “It’s always been Christopher’s goal to study in America and play college football, and that’s exactly what he’s getting the chance to do. It is a dream come true for him.

“We have been concerned about it, as most parents would be, but the people from Augustana have been on the phone and reassured us, and we’re delighted that he’s been given this opportunity.

“It was, however, a difficult choice for him because he was also accepted by Edinburgh and Stirling Universities who offered good courses as well, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

“I’ll miss him as a son, but as a pal and a really good coach that I can bounce ideas off . I’ll also miss the change in him becoming a man, because he’s a youth now, but will be 22 or 23 when he gets back from the States.”

Mum Anne said: “I’m his mum, so of course I’ll miss him, but we wouldn’t stand in his way, as this is what he’s always wanted to do.

“Most of us don’t get to live their dream, and Chris has been given exactly that chance, so we hope he does well.”

Former Dalziel High pupil Chris said: “I’ve never been to America and I’m very excited. This is my dream and has been my goal for quite some time.

“Augustana College has got a very good reputation for athletes, and their five teams have one of the biggest percentages of high-scoring players in America.

“I’ve spoken to the coach, Jim Barnes, a couple of times and he’s eager for me to head over there, so that pleases me greatly and I look forward to the challenge.”