Christian Tinch (front row center) is surrounded by his coaches. Steve Ward (left) and Matt Schroeder (right) with CCHS Head Coach Bryan Horton standing.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – One ACL tear is generally enough to derail most athletes’ careers. Two are likely the end of the line for the great majority. Not so for Campbell senior soccer standout Christian Tinch. “My second ACL tear drove me (to make another comeback),” said the district’s co-goalie of the year.

Tinch signed scholarship papers on Tuesday to further his soccer career at Briar Cliff University at Sioux City, Iowa. “It came down to Cumberlands at Williamsburg and the Chargers, and I made up my mind on Monday,” said Tinch.

“Walking in his freshman year, he started every game,” said Cougar Head Coach Bryan Horton. Tinch missed his sophomore year after his first knee injury which was suffered while playing football. “He was ready for his junior year though he did not play,” added Horton.

Briar Cliff coaches began showing interest in Christian Tinch in mid-season this year.

Tinch sent highlights of his games to at least a hundred coaches. He ended up receiving eight offers, narrowed that down to three, then two, and he made his decision Monday.

“I knew he was destined to be a keeper from a very young age,” added CCHS Assistant Soccer Coach Steve Ward. The coach went on to say that Tinch would seek out the muddiest spots on the field and loved getting muddy.

“Despite another knee injury in his senior year, he fought back and was able to play. He played great his senior season,” Horton pointed out.

When asked what changed his mindset after that second ACL tear, he said, “My faith followed by my determination.”

“He’s the best goalie I’ve ever played with, and it’s been an honor to play with him,” said teammate Bryson Horton.

It was quite a special day for Christian Tinch and his family.

Grandfather Darwin Tinch was proud of Christian’s scholarship, but you get a real strong sense that he is even more proud of Christian’s calling. “He had his calling to preach last year, and I told him to remember his commitment,” said Tinch. Christian has already preached from the pulpits of the some of the area churches.

Briar Cliff’s coaches were the number one thing when it came to choosing the Chargers. “They’re awesome. They even beefed up my scholarship,” said Christian.

Academically, Tinch plans to major in physical therapy. Although, he could go with an athletic training major, he said.

“He is a great kid that works hard. He has been a joy to coach,” said Coach Horton. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/26/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S JOSH PARKER)

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