Novi’s own ‘CC’
5/19/03
They say when you’re born, you immediately inherit three things from
your parents… Your looks, your religion, and of course, your name.
So, when your name is Chase, it must be pre-ordained that you’re
athletic, competitive, and very fast. Say hello to Chase Chandler, and
make it quick, because in just another 3 weeks, you’ll be saying so
long.
Chase Chandler graduates from Novi HS next month, but not without having
left a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of superlative
achievements in prep athletics.
A 3-year starter in football, Chase earned accolades as defensive back
his first two years, helping to lead the Wildcats into the playoffs both
seasons. For his senior campaign, he switched to quarterback while still
playing defense, lining up in the slot, and moving the chains whenever
it was needed. The result? He led his team to a District Championship
while garnering All-State honors. He’ll compete in the annual MHSAA
all-star football game in August against the best athletes from the
entire state.
A 3-year starter in basketball, Chase was also a “quarterback” on the
hardwood. An unselfish point-guard that could defend like crazy and
distribute the ball with the best of them, his junior year he led Coach
Schluter’s team to their first District title since 1978.
And, as an encore, last spring he was a main cog in Novi’s repeat
District champion squad that was arguably among the top 5 teams in the
state of Michigan.
 As a 3-year letterman in track, Chase competed quite successfully in the
100 meter and 200 meter races, as well as relays, and he had more than
his share of first-place finishes.
All that, and he still shined in the classroom with a consistent honor
roll performance and a very high GPA.
But, what I notice most about him are the things that don’t necessarily
show up in the box score. In the highly commercialized, over-saturated
world of sport, we are over-wrought with selfishness,
self-aggrandizement, and the lust for individual stardom at all costs.
Not Chase Chandler.
In the media frenzy that now permeates even High School sports, no
amount of TV cameras, radio mics, or newspaper articles ever influenced
“CC” in a way that would cause him to escape his nature. Through all of
his successes, he remained humble, and well grounded. And even more
importantly, he was the consummate team player.
The great Heywood Hale Broun once said, “Sports may not build character,
but they certainly reveal it.” There’s a lot of pressure on young
athletes, but Chase revealed a character I would define as dignified and
workmanlike.
Next fall Chase Chandler will grace the campus of Albion College, where
he’ll continue his athletic endeavors on the football team as a Wide
Receiver.
So long Chase, you’ll soon be gone…but never forgotten.
(c) 2003 Novi
Information Network
www.novi.org
___________________________________
Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and
motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from
his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind
every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings"
said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a
metaphor for the game we call life."
Bernie is also the voice of Novi Wildcat Hockey
and host of Wildcat Face-off, a local
radio program dedicated to youth sports in Novi.
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