2009 All Star
Blake Beals
Tackle
6’1″ 245 lbs.
High School Coach: Eddie Ostipow
High School, Class: Charlotte, B
College: Olivet
From the time he was very young, Blake watched big brother Russell practice and play Pony League football and wrestle and knew he wanted to do both. Blake started wrestling before age five and started playing football as soon as he reached the required age of ten. Once these sports became a part of Blake’s life they never stopped. Blake has played defensive line, offensive line and fullback. He was a three-year starter on the varsity team. He led the team in tackles for two years. Blake was a three-time Defensive MVP, and won the “Hammer’ award – an award given to the player with the hardest tackles two years in a row.
Blake was a four-year starter on Charlotte’s varsity baseball team, and also a four-year letterman in wrestling. As a varsity wrestler Blake was named All Conference three times. He took 6th in the Michigan State High School Tournament in 2008, and was the State Runner up in 2009. Blake received 11 varsity letters during his time in high school.
Blake thanked all of his coaches, “going all the way back to the beginning where I learned the basics.” He also thanked “everyone else who made this possible, especially my Dad for sticking with me for the past ten years.” He also thanked, “all of the teammates I’ve had who helped me where I am today.” Blake thanked his mom, Becky, and grandpa, Jim, and “everyone else in my family. I feel very honored to be playing in this game. It’s a long time dream come true.”
Awards
All Capitol Area Conference Gold 1st Team Defense, 06, 07 & 08
All Area Honorable Mention Dream Team, Lansing State Journal, 2007 & 2008
All State Honorable Mention Defensive Line, Detroit Free Press, 2008