A football standout for The Oakridge School will play tight end for Baylor University. Surrounded by his teammates, coaches, administrators, and host family, Christoph Henle, an international student from Austria, made his college choice official during a celebratory signing event Thursday, Dec. 14.
The 6-foot-6, 230-pound senior finished second on the team in receiving last year, catching 41 passes for 579 yards and nine touchdowns. The Dallas Morning News SportsDayHS staff ranked him among the top 100 senior football recruits for 2018 in North Texas.
Henle is excited about the future and looking forward to playing NCAA Division I football in the Big 12 Conference, but said he will never forget what Oakridge, a member of the Southwest Preparatory Conference, has brought to his life athletically and academically.
“All my coaches, the teachers, classmates and teammates have been so supportive during my time here,” said Henle. “The classwork has been challenging, I’ve grown more independent, and Oakridge has taught me how to get through stressful times and deal with problems that arise in life.”
Head Football Coach Phillip Farhat called Henle’s time at Oakridge a win-win for the Owls and Henle. “Now, it’s going to be a huge win for Baylor,” Farhat added.
Athletic Director Shawn Meadows and Head of Upper School Butch Groves called Henle a leader on the athletic field and in the classroom. Head of School Jon Kellam echoed the sentiments of his colleagues and others who attended the signing.
“Even though you’ve only been here a year-and-a-half, it seems as if you’ve been here a very long time,” Kellam said. “You made the most of this opportunity, and it’s because of your spirit, attitude, and the way that you have faced each day that makes us proud of you.”
Audrey Stehr, Henle’s host mom, said her family’s experience with the future Baylor Bear is one that she will never forget.
“From the first time we met you at the airport, I have not regretted one day that we welcomed you into our home,” Stehr said. “You have been so respectful, loving, kind, and a huge big brother to our girls. God has just given you a huge opportunity and we’re so thankful for that.”
About The Oakridge School
Established in 1979, The Oakridge School is a coeducational, college preparatory school for students in preschool through grade 12. The school draws a diverse student body from 37 area cities and 19 countries to a dynamic learning environment on a 100-acre campus in Arlington. The Oakridge School mission is to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity. Oakridge was named the 2016 Spotlight School by the Lausanne Learning Institute as recognition for its campuswide innovative instruction. To learn more about The Oakridge School, visit www.theoakridgeschool.org.