Chris Pernell has earned a place in East Wake High School lore as a star on the football field and the basketball court. He talked to the Eastern Wake News about how he manages to excel on so many fronts.

Q: You are known as quite the well-rounded athlete at East Wake High, playing both football and basketball. What are your positions and which one is your favorite one to play?

A: “For football, I play quarterback and for basketball, I’m a shooting guard. I have to say I enjoy playing football a little bit more because I am more passionate about it.”

Q: Is there something about each sport that helps you play the other better?

A: “Football helps me with basketball recognize what is going on with the defenses.”

Q: What is the hardest part about going from football shape to basketball shape?

A: “It is going from a sport that is physical to one that is less physical.”

Q: What is your biggest win?

A: “Beating Wake Forest-Rolesville High in football. It really felt good. Everyone was happy – it was joyful.”

Q: Any awards or accolades that stand out for you?

A: “I made All- Conference last year in basketball.”

Q: Any colleges attempting to recruit you?

A: “They are looking at me for football. I have heard from East Carolina University, Averette (in Virginia) and UNC-Charlotte.”

Q: What are your ambitions? Have you chosen a major for college?

A: “I am not sure what I want to major in. Science is my favorite subject.”

Q: Are you a part of any other clubs or extra-curricular activities in high school?

A: “I am a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.Other than that, it is just sports.”

Q: Do you attend a church in the area?

A: “I am not a member of a church but my faith is important to me and my family.”

Q: Do you have a large family?

A: It is my mom and dad, Brenda and Chris Pernell, and I have two brothers.

Q: Are your brothers into athletics like you?

A: “I have one brother in pre-school and one brother in middle school. We like to play outside and have fun but my middle school brother is into band.”

Q: Did you grow up in the area? Where else have you played sports?

A: “I live in Knightdale and played Knightdale parks and recreation sports. I also played sports at Zebulon Middle.”

Q: Any teachers or coaches that made an impact on your life when you were younger?

A: “I had a science teacher, Mrs.(Amelia) Dewberry, at Zebulon Middle. She just pushed me to do my best in class.”

Q: As a senior, what advice would you give someone entering high school who has an interest in sports?

A: “They should always put their school work before sports.”

Q: What would you tell them is one of the positives about playing sports?

A: “It is just being around a team – you feel like you are apart of another family.”

Correspondent Dena Coward