Tyler Champion signs to play football at University of Saint Francis

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Tyler Champion has signed a letter of intent to play football for the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., this fall. The University of Saint Francis is a member of the Crossroads League and a NAIA athletic institution. He is the son of Thomas and Patricia Champion.

Champion, who plans to study business management and pursue a career as a business consultant, said he chose Saint Francis because it has one of the best business programs in the state. In addition, during his campus visit, he said the football coaches and team felt like a family.

A multi-sport athlete (basketball), Champion earned accolades and awards for his performance on the field. He was an All-Conference and Team Offensive Player MVP three times, named to the Hamilton County Second Team All-State 2024, holds six school records, and helped take the Huskies to a 2023 Hoosier Conference Championship title.

“I have been passionate about football since I was a kid,” said Champion, who always had a dream of playing football in college. “I worked hard in the weight room and on the field to better myself to get opportunities at the next level.”

He credits his parents and teammates as being the most influential in his life.

“My parents worked hard to help me succeed and sacrifice things in their own lives so I could have this opportunity,” Champion explained. “My teammates have always been there to push and support me through everything, and I will cherish those relationships forever.”

“Tyler has been an integral part of our success the past four years,” Hamilton Heights Head Football Coach Jon Kirschner said. “He is a tenacious, selfless player who, with his style of play, could make the tough catches look routine and keep the defense on their toes at all times. Tyler is a big play threat every time the ball goes to him. Tyler loves the game of football and sold out for his teammates and Husky Football each week. He is going to do great things at St. Francis, and I wish him nothing but the best at the next level.”

“Tyler is one of the most athletic student/athletes to walk the halls of Hamilton Heights High School,” Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said. “He is a great competitor, a solid student in the classroom, and a very respectful and polite young man. The University of Saint Francis is certainly getting a good one. We wish him well.”