Tioga senior offensive lineman Hayden Christman commits to Louisiana Tech football

After his latest visit to Louisiana Tech, Tioga senior offensive lineman Hayden Christman knew that he wanted to make it his college home.

Christman made his commitment to the Bulldogs on June 24, choosing them over in-state schools Tulane, Nicholls and ULM.  

“I was there with my family for camp and we talked to the coaches for a little bit,” Christman said. “After talking to them for a while, I realized that I’m really happy there and it’s a place that I want to be for the next four years.”

Christman, who is 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, was impressed by new Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie, even as far back as last season as the interim coach at Texas Tech.

“I think he’s going to do great. He’s a great coach,” Christman said. “I think he’s going to come in and win a bunch of games at Louisiana Tech.”

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Last season, Christman was named to the All-District 3-4A first team and was an honorable mention on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 4A team.

While Tioga was more inexperienced than in years past, he helped lead it to the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

Christman is expecting Tioga to have a bounce back season as it moves into District 2-4A with Peabody, Grant, Franklin Parish and Neville.

“I want us to win a bunch more games than we did last season,” Christman said. “I think that we have the team to do that and we’re a lot better. Last year, we were really young and it was a rebuilding year. For me, I just want to keep getting stronger and better, so I can get through this season and get ready for college.”

Christman also was a member of Tioga’s track and field team that finished as runner-up in 4A. He earned the individual state title in the discus and runner-up in the shot put.