ROCKINGHAM – Early in February, Richmond Senior High School offensive lineman Chase Coulthard signed his National Letter of Intent to play collegiate football at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. That was something he expected to happen.
But last week, he got a pleasant “surprise” when he was named to the 2018 North Carolina East-West All-Star Game.
“I was extremely shocked,” Coulthard said in an exclusive interview with the Richmond Observer. “This is such an elite game. And I’ve never thought of myself as being above anyone on the football field – I think of myself as being as good as the man next to me. To be selected (to this game), is a bit surprising. I’m beyond belief.”
The 6’-2”, 260-pound offensive lineman will represent the East team on July 18, when the best and brightest all-stars in the state compete at Robert B. Jamieson Stadium on the campus Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C.
Coulthard was a part of a solid offensive line last season that provided time and space for freshman quarterback Caleb Hood to throw 16 touchdowns, and allow senior running back and Columbia University commit Dante Miller to find the end zone 19 more times on the ground.
“I’m looking forward to getting to meet other people and players that hold themselves to a high standard,” Coulthard explained. “These are some of the best guys you can meet. And to be a part of something that is held to such a high pedigree like football is here (at Richmond), is great.
“The first thing Dante (Miller) and I did when I found out I made the team was go to the locker room and look at the list of former Raiders that made it to the game,” he continued. “It’s an honor.”
Richmond head coach Bryan Till explained that Coulthard was nominated by him and the other Raiders coaches because he met not only the on-field qualifications, but also showcased excellence in school performance and character off the field.
The selection process isn’t simple – it’s a myriad of video links, breakdown and analysis of players and discussion amongst coaches from different regions around the state. And Coulthard’s recognition is a true reflection of his dedication and desire to uphold the standards of being a Richmond football player.
“The most impressive thing about Chase is his consistency,” Till noted. “He’s the same kid every time he comes to school. He comes to work and does what he’s supposed to do. He’s been raised well. He understands what it means to be a Raider, and he has a lot of pride and honor for this program and what we do. He’s a (role) model for other players in our program.
“Anybody can come out here and bust their butt for one day,” he continued. “Chase consistently comes out and works hard.”
Coulthard (79) in action against Pinecrest during his senior season.
And while the East-West All-Star game is still four and a half months away, Coulthard isn’t slowing down his preparation or his time in the weight room. He’s got his freshman season at UNC-Pembroke to prepare for – something that he’s always dreamed of being able to do.
“With it being so close to home, and seeing so many of my former teammates be successful there, it’s something I’ve always thought of as being awesome,” Coulthard explained. “I can tell it’s a family. I know I’ll feel comfortable playing there.”
The Braves are coming off a 2-8 season in 2017, but that’s not a deterrent for Coulthard, as he’s excited to be a part of a “strong incoming recruiting class” of 32 players for the 2018 season, and a helping hand in the “rebuild” of the program.
From what he’s seen during his official visit and what he knows about the program’s philosophy, Coulthard knows the Braves train hard every day and “hold everyone to a standard,” and if one person fails, the group does it again until it’s perfect.
“That reminds me a lot of Richmond,” Coulthard said of the Braves’ team philosophy. “It’s a unit. Everyone has to be in on the process in order to win.
“I’m thankful to be able to continue my dream of playing football,” he continued. “It’s hard to imagine my life with football, so to be playing at another level, I’m going to push myself even harder.”
Coulthard has visited UNCP and participated in a mock practice and mock lift with the team. He says that experience has given him a better idea of how the coaches work with their players. He’s also had an hour-long practice with the offensive line coach, John Grinde, which only solidified his assurance that he’s chosen the right school.
The incoming freshman has received a partial scholarship to play for head coach Shane Richardson and the Braves. Coulthard credits his time at Richmond, especially his senior year under Till’s tutelage, to prepare him for the next step in his football and academic career.
The North Carolina East-West All Star Game, which began in 1949, will kick off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18.
