Christian Lockman said that among the things he enjoyed about playing baseball and football at Brownstown Central is the focus it takes to be successful in both sports.

“I like the technical part,” he said. “It takes more than one guy to get a run in and more than one guy to make a play, like if there is a ground ball, you field the ball, throw the ball and the other guy has to catch it.”

The graduate began playing baseball when he was about 4 or 5 years old. When he started in the outfield, he would rather play center than one of the corner positions.

For Lockman, the key to making plays in the outfield is communication.

“It is very important because if there is a ball hit in the gap you have to talk to each other,” Lockman said. “You don’t want to let the ball drop in for a hit if you can get to it. I feel I get a good jump on the ball. I get to most of them.”

Lockman said you always have to be alert when you are in the field and know where you are going to throw the ball.

When a ball is hit between the infielders and outfielders, “the outfielder is supposed to take charge and try to get it because it’s easier to try and catch the ball coming in than having an outfielder go out,” Lockman said.

A ball hit by a left-handed batter will react differently than one hit by a right-handed batter, and you have to react accordingly.

He said you always have to be aware of which way the wind is blowing.

“Whenever the ball is hit I always takes a couple steps back to ‘read’ the ball,” Lockman said.

At the plate, Lockman was always ready to swing at the first pitch because he didn’t want to get behind in the count.

“Usually (a pitcher) throws a first-pitch fastball and I try and hit it,” Lockman said. “I just try to hit the ball square every time. If there are runners on base I just try to move them over to get them in scoring position.”

Lockman said he was called upon to sacrifice a few times.

“It just depends where the runners are on base,” Lockman said. “In practice I do work on my bunting. You want to get the bat out in front of you and bend your knees and try to hit it down the third-base line or first-base line.”

Whether it be on the weekend or during a school day, Lockman always enjoys taking the diamond.

“I think we play a pretty good schedule,” Lockman said. “I enjoy both single games and doubleheaders. I enjoy playing.”

During the fall, Lockman played both safety on defense and slot on offense with the football team.

“I enjoyed winning and all the preparation,” Lockman said. “I enjoyed the preparation before the games.”

He said the weight training was very helpful.

“It’s pretty important,” Lockman said of the weight room. “You have to buy into the system. I got a lot stronger since my freshman year working on the weights and in conditioning.

In whichever sport, Lockman said he thinks having a strong mental game pays off.

“The mental part is probably about 90 percent,” Lockman said. “You just have to be focused and alert at all times. If you let your guard down something bad is going to happen. Be prepared, be ready whether it be snapping the ball or taking a pitch.”

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Name: Christian Lockman

School: Brownstown Central High School

Parents: Janice and Andrew Lockman

Siblings: Seven brothers, seven sisters

Sports: Football, four years; baseball, two years; basketball, two years

Athletic honors: football-captain, helping team win conference and sectional titles

Favorite away fields: Charlestown and Madison

Attending BCHS: “I like the small classes. It’s easier to learn that way. Being around small classes you’re closer to your friends. I enjoyed being in the clubs.

“I’ll remember the friends I’ve made and the big wins, and the bus rides home after the wins are a lot more fun than when you lose. I’ve had a lot of good memories here.”

Organizations: National Honor Society, Lettermen’s Club, Booster Club

Plans after high school: Attend university for sports medicine

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”

Favorite movie: “The Other Guys”

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University

Favorite quote: “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

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