Unlike a majority of the athletes with whom he’ll be taking the field Saturday at the University of New Hampshire, Christian Stack has only played football for five years.

It’s been his saving grace.

The Nashua High School South graduate admits he hasn’t always been as focused in the classroom as he should be. Amazing how an out-of-classroom activity can help a student learn how to focus on getting the job done academically. Who knows what Stack would be doing right now if not for the gridiron. Perhaps, that high school diploma would have eluded him.

“I really don’t think I have reached my full potential academically,” said Stack, who will be playing left tackle for the West All-Stars in the CHaD New Hampshire East-West All-Star Football Game, which will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Cowell Stadium. “But personally, I know I tried my hardest and whatever I recorded for grades, it’s what came out of me.”

Football motivated him enough to push through tough times with course work. It got him across the stage, diploma in hand and helped him earn a space at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass., this fall, where he will be playing for the Division III Mustangs.

“I really struggled through all four years of high school,” said Stack after Wednesday night’s practice at Manchester West High School. “Really, football has made me a more
dedicated person. It’s made me a better person and has made me realize how important things are. So I’ve really been trying to get through this and football has really helped me.”

Since his days as an eighth-grader playing for the Nashua Elks Crusaders, Stack has been an offensive lineman. He prefers the offensive side of the ball to defense. It’s a comfort thing for him.

Although a right tackle at South, he’s not having much trouble switching to the other side of the line. Different hand positioning and body movements don’t change his main objectives – open up holes for running backs and protect the quarterback.

“Offense really suits me,” Stack said. “I think it’s where I’m supposed to play. I’ve been working as hard as I can at that position and it’s been working out so far.”

The game of football has been working out so far for Stack. It’s been a big part of his life for five years. What would he do without it?

Contemplating that isn’t even an option.

“Football has really helped me with everything I’ve done,” he said. “I’d be devastated without it.”