MILTON, Mass. – He's only nine years old, but Christopher Cartwright is the newest player on the Curry College Football roster. Chris is a resident of Brockton, Mass. who has spina bifida, and as part of College's ongoing partnership with Team IMPACT, he's joined the Colonels for the 2019-20 season.

Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes.

The Curry Football team welcomed Chris to the Colonels family during a special "Draft Day" ceremony, during which the new recruit signed his letter of intent and was cheered by his teammates.

View Photos from Chris' Draft Day at Curry College

Watch: Coach Skip Bandini drafts Chris Cartwright

"It is with great pleasure that Curry College Football drafts Chris," said Head Football Coach Skip Bandini. "His presence will help our football team experience the art of giving back to surrounding communities, and Chris will inspire our team with his grit and determination to be one of our greatest teammates. There is no doubt that Curry College Football will excel in the near future with him on board."

Coach Bandini helped Chris suit up in his new uniform (#5), and presented a Curry Colonels blanket to Chris's mother, Natasha Cartwright, to help her keep warm in the stands during games. "I'm excited for him to have this experience," said Natasha. "It will give him a sense of teamwork and brotherhood."

The senior co-captains of Curry Football also expressed their enthusiasm about Chris's recruitment.

"We're extremely excited to have Chris join our team," said Teddy Flaherty (S/LB). "He has an incredible attitude and love for the game of football."

 "He is already an inspiration to all of us," added Hunter Atwood (DL). "I know he will motivate everyone to work harder not only in football, but in life, and I am looking forward to seeing him succeed. He will do great things."

Nick Villaneuva (WR) agreed. "We absolutely cannot wait for Chris to join our family - and we're looking forward to the day he starts motivating his teammates here at Curry!"

Chris is the twelfth child to join Curry Athletics through Team IMPACT. The College began its relationship with Team IMPACT in January 2012 when the Men's Hockey Team drafted 12-year-old Sean Bennett onto their roster. Since that time, Athletic Director Vinnie Eruzione has spearheaded the effort at Curry, and the baseball, football, women's lacrosse, softball, basketball, volleyball, and men's and women's soccer teams have all drafted children as well.

"Curry College student-athletes really pride themselves on being successful- not only on the playing fields and in the classrooms, but more importantly, in the community," says Eruzione. "Our relationship over the past 12 years with TEAM IMPACT is just one way that our student-athletes can make a difference, in their own lives and in the lives of the children we draft."

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