By John Orrell, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – There may be no other area high school athlete more anxious for the commencement of his senior year than Shrewsbury High School’s (SHS) Chris Campbell.
Campbell is a multi-sport athlete (football and lacrosse) who has amassed highly impressive accomplishments while also being recognized as a quintessential team-oriented player for the Colonials.
The instantly-likeable 6-foot, 190-pound lacrosse midfielder with an infectious smile was named a U.S. Lacrosse-All-American, most valuable player for the Mid-Wachusett A League and a two-time Telegram & Gazette All-Star while racking up 16 points in his junior year. He has already committed to Division 1 University of Hartford, a testimony to his talent and recognition for being a competitor at a very high level.
His football accomplishments are no less impressive. Campbell, a wide receiver and defensive back, was a key component of the Colonials magical 2016 season that ended with a Central Mass. Division 2 title and a berth in the State Championship game held at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium. For his efforts, he was voted second-team All-State and a Mid-Wachusett A All-Star.
And if heading into his senior year with all of the above in his cache isn’t enough, Campbell plans to try out for varsity basketball to complete the high school sports trifecta.
The Colonials open their 2017 gridiron campaign at home Sept. 8 versus Shepherd Hill Regional and no one knows the sacrifice, commitment and hard work it takes to step out on that field more than Campbell.
“When I was younger I just listened to my coaches a lot and I always felt like I had a knack for the game,” he said. “Then I started to go to camps with kids from other towns and that’s where you see how good you can get. You always get to push yourself against the best competition and that’s how I got better.
“When I started playing varsity football, that’s when I really saw the speed of the game. I realized that if you want to be successful in the game you have to put in the work to get better. You have to be a tough kid because it’s a very long season but you really have to pay attention to detail and listen to what the coaches are saying. Also, you have to have fun with it. That’s why we have such a great group of guys. Everyone has fun and that makes it easier.”
Football head coach John Aloisi and his lacrosse counterpart Nate Skermont both acknowledge the specialness they have in a player like Campbell and how valuable a role he will play in their respective sports this year.
“Chris is an intense competitor who takes great pride in executing his assignments,” said Aloisi. “He’s a very trustworthy member of our team. Whatever the assignment, Chris gets the job done with 100-percent effort. His work habits and production are both positive examples for the rest of the team.
“Off the field, Chris is a respectful and personable young man. His teachers, coaches and peers admire his humility and sense of humor.”
“Chris brings high intensity every play of every game and every play in practice,” Skermont said. “It’s great that he only knows one speed. Not only because of his actions does he lead by example but he is also a vocal leader. He is not afraid to be an extension of the coaching staff and let the guys know when they need to pick it up. He also knows when to encourage his teammates as well. He is without a doubt the voice of the players that carries the most clout.
“Chris is a great young man that I’ve built an outstanding relationship with both on and off the field. I push him harder than any player I’ve ever coached and he accepts that challenge and tackles it head on. He knows that no matter what I have his back and will forever. I am so proud of what he has already accomplished and I am very fortunate that I have one more year with him. He is right now the most talented player that I have ever coached in 11 years.”
When he was 6 years old, Campbell’s family moved from Boston to Shrewsbury, where he developed the love for football. Youth football led to a roster spot on the high school varsity squad as a sophomore. From there, it has been a starting role earned through intense hard work and dedication. He credits his dad, Chris, as being a major influence, saying that the elder Campbell passed on to him a strong sense of work ethic.
“You come out here and tell yourself it’s going to be worth it,” he explained. “You come out here working in the summertime and know it’s all for one goal. Last year winning the district championship – which was one of our goals – makes you realize that it’s worth it and that’s why you get up every day.”