Long Branch Athlete of the Week: Chris Pappayliou

Chris Pappayliou of Long Branch High School is Long Branch-Eatontown Patch's Athlete of the Week.

Pappayliou is headed to Wake Forest University for track and field this fall and signed his national letter of intent last month. He also was a 3-year starter on the school's varsity football team and participated in wrestling from 2011 to 2012.

Each week we ask our athlete of the week three questions and print their answers verbatim.

Why did you choose the college you did?

I think a big factor was that later in my life I want to live down south and going to a school that's as prestigious as Wake Forest is just a great way to try to start my life down there.

What has been your best sports experience at Long Branch High School so far?

I'd say the moment that sticks out to me is probably the first time I stepped onto the football field in the summer and I was just moving from another school. I felt that even though I was from a rival school, everyone embraced me and treated me like I was pretty much one of their brothers on the first day. It really made me feel like I was part of Long Branch and it was a good day.

*Pappayliou transferred from Ocean Township High School.

What do you plan on studying in college?

I'm looking at business, but I'm pretty much open to anything. When something catches my interest when I'm there, taking those mandatory freshman courses, I'd jump on. I'm just looking to find something I can be passionate about and enjoy.