#52 CJ Krum
Senior LB/OL
Varsity Captain
Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier

The Redwing Varsity Football team is coming off their first win of the season, a 23-0 shutout of the Haslett Vikings.  We were excited to sit down (Zoom) with the Redwing Senior and get his thoughts on the game and the rest of the  season.

SJSP:  Lets talk about that shutout, I’m sure that’s what linebackers live for right?

“This is the first game we really showed our grit, we hadn’t played with as much grit as we have… and we just played really well together as a team.”

SJSP:  Was there a certain play or moment that set the tone for the rest of the game?

“Really it was a full game effort, but I think what really set it off, when I knew we had it, was probably when Brock (Miller) had that big touchdown run (80 yards towards the end of the game).  You knew it was over.

SJSP:  What’s the rest of the season like, Fowlerville is next, are they tough?

“Yeah they’re a tough team.  They definitely bring toughness and grit, kind of that blue collar mind-set that we have as well.  We’re going to bring as much as we’ve got every play.”

SJSP:  How do the playoffs work this year?

“Its actually, they put us into different districts.  Our district this year is Mason, Dewitt, Haslett, Ionia, Waverly, us (St. Johns), Jackson Northwest and maybe another one?  They take your record and they seed you.  They put you in a big bracket, kind of like they would regularly.  If we win out we’ll probably get Fowlerville or Waverly. “

SJSP:  Now that more fans are allowed at the games, does that make a difference for you guys?

“Oh yeah, its awesome having more fans in the stands, I love it.  Its definitely strange, not having people scream and having it quiet when we play.  And now if you make a big play, having that loud momentum swing, helps a lot in a game.

SJSP:  You play OL and LB, both ways, that sounds like a challenge?

“Yeah, its difficult at times.  I’m on punt, punt return, extra point… yeah its difficult but you’ve just got to love the game.”

SJSP:  You’re one of the captains on the team, correct?

“Yeah, its me, Brock (Miller), Caleb (Teeples) and Adam Waszak. We’ve got some pretty good guys this year leading the team and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

SJSP:  We know you’re a heck of a wrestler too, any big goals for this year you want to share or is it something you focus on after the football season?

“Its definitely still on the radar.  I’ve been trying to get in practices here and there, staying in really good shape…  for wrestling at least.  I’m very psyched for wrestling this year.  Definitley have a good shot of winning it (States).

SJSP:  We’re all rooting for you for sure.  What are your plans after school?

“I plan on going to college.  I’ve been applying different places, just waiting for that acceptance letter.

SJSP:  Are you hoping to play sports?

“Yeah, probably wrestling.  Football maybe.”

See all the pictures from St. Johns Sports and Events at: https://www.ortmanproduction.com/stjohnshighschool

Thank you CJ for taking the time to share with us.  We wish you and the team good luck the rest of the season and in your future as well.

We are looking forward to sharing the stories of more Redwing athletes in the upcoming weeks.   All athletes are welcome to share, you don’t have to be a star player to be featured.  Fill out our self interview or contact us to set up a zoom meeting.  Highlighting Redwing success (not only winning) is our main goal.  Go Redwings!