Remembering Brandon: Central's English keeps late friend's memory alive on the court
It is not uncommon for athletes to have pregame rituals.
For some athletes, it is a certain song they listen to or a specific meal they eat before every game. Others are more superstitious and go to more extreme lengths to make sure they are at their best for every game.
Christian English — known as "Squeaky" by nearly everyone in San Angelo — planned out his pregame routine months ahead of the basketball season. Those who attend Central basketball games most likely noticed that he wore a different shirt during pregame warmups than everyone else. His pregame shirt features a picture of Brandon Garza, a childhood friend who passed away unexpectedly this past summer on July 17, 2023.
"We got the shirt for his birthday after he passed," English said. "(The family) made shirts, so I bought one and that's when I thought, 'Why not wear it in warm-ups to honor his memory?'"
More: Central boys basketball leans on 'significant size advantage' in Bi-District matchup
Garza grew up in San Angelo alongside English and was his teammate in youth sports leagues and at Glenn Middle School. In High School, Garza started focusing on baseball where he played center field for the Central baseball team and the Sendero Baseball Club in Abilene.
Members of the San Angelo community noticed and complimented English on his shirt he said, but the most important comment was the thanks he received from Garza's family. He said that it was important to show the family that Garza has people who care about him.
English wore the shirt before every game at home or on the road this season and he believes it was a big part of the team's success this year as they come off their first bi-district championship since 2012.
He will dawn the shirt again as the Bobcats take on Keller in the second round of the playoffs in Clyde at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
"It's just my way of honoring him and showing that I'm here for him and playing for him," English said. "I feel like it impacts the community and it shows them to not be scared to do something for someone else."
Read Brandon Garza's Obituary where you can offer words of sympathy, send flowers or a card to the family and donate to plant a memorial tree in his honor.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Central boys basketball's English honoring late friend before games
