Christopher Jay Middleton, (A.K.A. Chris), is a Kashmere Gardens Junior Senior High School Alumnus C/O ’67; wherein he earned both academic and athletic achievements, with the encouragement and support of his peers, friends, family and those who paved the pathways ahead of his generation.
With sincere humility Chris accepted this honor of being amongst Kashmere Former Athletes Association (AFAA) “Ring of Honor”. In support of this honor; please join-in, by imagery of rolling- back in time to early ‘60’s: school days of KG’s hallways between classes and afterwards outside for extra-curricular activities; for Chris it was track and field and football. In between brain and brawn, Chris was also voted c/o ’67 – “Most Handsome😊!
Early childhood competitions sparked Christopher’s natural athletic – ism. Back then, lots of time was spent outside, free-lance competitions like footraces on unpaved sidewalks plus baseball and football in open fields even friendly combat with chinaberry wars. While growing-up in Trinity Gardens, amongst playmates, cousins, and siblings: his twin sister, Cynthia Kay and their three younger brothers: the late Earl, Jr (Cookie), Rodney (Gipp) and Bruce Lynn; parented by both the late Earl B. Sr. and Alma D. Billups Middleton. The next generation include nephew Ce Daniel Middleton and niece Christina Levy. Brother Bruce Lynn, local Saxophonist, under tutorage of the renowned Band Director Conrad Johnson, traveled with The Kashmere Stage Band to Europe and Japan, they cut an album of their performances, abroad. Back to Chris’ family; Their mother, a musician- vocalist/pianist also owned one of the independent school bus business, which was before HISD provided transportation for ’our schools’. Now, Dad Earl B. Sr., a Military Veteran, in his retirement from Ethyl Oil, owned and published a local advertisement newspaper, The Sales Slip. Brothers Earl, Jr, and Bruce Lynn, also earned college scholarships while Rodney beamed with natural artist’s talents. Cynthia retired from the Port of Houston after earning Child Development AA and years as Director. The fore mentioned contributed to Chris being rooted and grounded with a strong sense adventure blended with commitment and determination.
Moving-on from Weaver Rd, elementary school days at JC Sanderson & Rosa Lee Easter, onto years on the corners of Hirsch @ Kelly at Kashmere Gardens Jr. Sr. High; where Chris studied hard and trained by the best-of -best, Coaches Major Abram and the late Tom Hendricks and the late Billie Matthews. Local-City, State and Nation-wide records were made and broken, individually and with the teams.
Chris traveled onward from Hirsch Road / Houston, TX to Jefferson City, Missouri; wherein he earned a scholarship to Lincoln University; with studies toward a BA in Physical Education / Psychology, minor. Christopher’s extensive list of achievements is here summarized with a few excerpts: Stavstgus of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity / Sergeant -at-Arms, President of Athletes Dormitory, Christian’s Athletes Member; Dean’s List & Who’s Who Among Student in American Universities and Colleges, 1969=1970. Most Versatile Athlete, Football Longest Punt: 42.9 average – 71 years, Free Safety, Punter and PAT plus NCCA 3-times All American Track & Field; ran 100 yards dash (9.5); NCCA-All American on quarter (1/4) mile and 4X400 yard relay. Chris had football try-outs with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Oilers.
Again, being humbled by this recognition and honor; Christopher offers special gratitude to include his brother by marriage, Gordon and dear twin sister, Cynthia Kay Middleton- McClain.