HOUSTON — The hard work as a kid paid off for a West Michigan high school graduate. So much so, that he earned a spot as a walk-on wide receiver for the Michigan football team.
Galesburg native Christian Bartholomew had opportunities to see serious playing time in college. He even had the chance to suit up in Division 2 for Hillsdale.
Then, Michigan came calling and the Kalamazoo United football alum decided Ann Arbor would be the place for him.
He could not have asked for a better four years.
"You show up," Bartholomew said. "You start at the low end of the totem pole. There's a lot of things but at the end of the day, whatever you do, whatever your role is, you just have to do it to the best of your ability. I have been a Michigan fan my whole life. To be able to come out here and be a part of this, is probably one of the most special things I will ever do for my whole life. It's an honor."
This will be Bartholomew's final game as a Michigan Wolverine, and he's hoping to go out on top.
Michigan battles Washington for the crown on Monday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
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