After a tough start to the season turned into a playoff berth for the Meadowbrook Monarchs, lineman Chris Artis has something to be even more proud of. The 6-2, 305-pound tackle has committed to play football at Chowan University.
“I chose Chowan so my parents would be able to come to my games,” said Artis. “And I really liked the coaching staff.”
The Chowan commit had interest from North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Morgan State and Virginia State.
Artis started at guard in his sophomore and junior campaigns but was switched to offensive tackle in his senior year. He said it was a bit stressful at first, learning a new position and new system and not winning many games early, but his hard work and determination paid off as the Monarchs squeaked into the playoffs (lost to Highland Springs in first round.)
“Chris Artis was a staple up front for us,” said the Monarchs’ first-year head coach Adam Tiller. “When we needed yards, we went his way. I am very proud to have coached Chris.”
Tiller went on to commend Artis for the time he took with the recruiting process and how his family did a great job promoting him as a student-athlete.
“I really want to thank my dad Hank Artis for all the sacrifices he made getting me to training and camps,” said Artis.
Chris will be joining his brother Cameron in the college ranks. Cameron graduated from Meadowbrook in 2014 and went on to play for UVA-Wise. The 2014 graduate is currently in the process of transferring to ODU where he hopes to walk-on.
At Chowan, Artis will join former Chesterfield football student-athletes George Parker (Monacan,) Ryan Nolan (Thomas Dale,) Cameron Strozier (Thomas Dale) and Tyler Bembry (Prince George.)
