Kent Reporter’s Male Athlete of the Week: Charles Shaffer

Shaffer is the cross country team captain.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Kentridge High School senior Charles Shaffer, cross country, is the Kent Reporter Athlete of the Week for Sept. 8.

Q: What is your favorite subject/class in school?

A: My favorite subject in school is math! I want to pursue something math-related in college like accounting or data analysis.

Q: Name your Mount Rushmore (Top 4) favorite movies:

A: “Cars 2,” “The Intouchables,” “Kingsman: Secret Service,” “Burnt”

Q: Who is the person in your life that has helped you succeed the most?

A: I don’t think I could possibly decide on one person who’s helped me the most, so I’ll choose a few. My mom and dad have been so supportive of me my whole life. I’ve always been encouraged to practice kindness, be a leader, and pursue what I love. I see parts of them in myself every day, and I’m very grateful for the opportunities that they have provided me. Another person who has helped me succeed is my stepmom. She always brings 110% energy and makes me feel appreciated and seen. There’s never a dull moment with her around. The final person is my stepdad. He’s so outgoing and he makes connections with people everywhere we go. I aspire to connect to people as effortlessly as he does. He’s a natural entrepreneur and his work ethic is unmatched. So, to answer the question, I attribute any success that I achieve to the wonderful group of parents who always have my back.

Q: You’re on a long road trip, you stop at a gas station. You get one drink and one snack. What are you choosing?

A: I would choose chocolate milk and a Milky Way bar. I have a huge sweet-tooth and chocolate is my weakness.

Q: Describe your pre-game ritual.

A: My pre-game ritual is pretty simple. I take the bus from Kentridge to the meet with my teammates and we either blast music and have a party or pop headphones in and relax. It all depends on the energy levels. When we get to the meet, we walk the course. This is a crucial step to making sure we don’t get lost during the race. As my race time approaches, I jog for a few minutes with my team to get our heart rates up. Next, we stretch as a group and then break off for whatever other preparations we need. I always try to eat three fruit punch flavored Jelly Belly Sports Beans about half an hour before my race as a little ritual. After I’ve put my spikes on, it’s time to lay down on the ground and rest.

Q: Song you currently can’t stop listening to?

A: “Stop this Train,” John Mayer

From the Sidelines: Charlie has done a wonderful job as captain and leader of our team. He is constantly supporting all of his teammates. He has worked extremely hard over these last two weeks and is looking primed for a great season.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Sports

Courtesy Photo
Kent Reporter Athletes of the week: Kentlake

Josie Pedeferri (Flag Football Sr.) and Matthew Lawrence (Basketball Sr.) are this weeks winners.

Jaya Brown goes up for a lay-up against Kentwood. Ben Ray / The Reporter
District Tournament preview: Girls basketball

Kentwood and Kentridge sneak in, see tough roads ahead.

Kentwood’s Mason St. Louis takes a three point shot. Ben Ray / The Reporter
West Central District Tournament preview: Boys basketball

Kentwood and Kent-Meridian face tough competition in opening rounds.

Graphic provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentwood

Luke LeChance (Jr. Swim) and Alena Ton (Jr. Basketball) named this weeks winners.

Photos provided by Jayla Keowla
Picture of Jayla, Troy and Jaylen growing up combined with a photo this year.
Introducing the Kentridge Keowlas

Jayla, Troy and Jaylen are part of a long line of basketball players with the Keowla last name.

Graphic provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Coach of the Month: Julie Foree

Foree has been coaching for 15-years and currently coaches at Cedar Heights Middle School.

Kentwood’s Tyanna Sims looks to use her size and speed to sprint past a Tahoma defender at the top of the key. Tyler Rubenstein/ For The Reporter
Kentwood High girls basketball falls to Tahoma Bears

Conks sit one game out of a playof spot, five league games remaining.

Photo provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentwood

Kaitlyn Vert (Sr. Flag Football) and Lee’Andrew Rubin (Jr. Wrestling) take home awards.

Corey Tita pushes the ball up the floor for Kentwood. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood boys fall at home to Auburn

Conks sit third in NPSL behind Auburn and Kennedy Catholic.

Kent-Meridian senior Christian Mortimer drives to the basket. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kent-Meridian boys drop game to Highline

Royals lose third straight game.

Kentwood’s Jessica Ajayi takes a three-pointer against Kentridge. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Hoops: Kentwood and Kentridge split doubleheader

Kentridge girls and Kentwood boys take home wins in rivalry clash.

Courtesy Photo
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentlake and Kentridge

Jaxon Love (wrestling), Miley Lam (BBall), Jordyn Keith (BBall) and Finnegan Linnane (Wrestling)