At 6'2" and 230 solid pounds, it's hard to miss Christian Tonkins when you pass him in the hallway. This fall, Christian will bring his books and skills on the court to Montreat College. He has just decided to transfer from Western Carolina University and has signed on with Cavalier basketball for the 2009-2010 season. His parents, Rex and Vickie, as well as his sister Victoria, are all pleased to see him enroll at Montreat College.

Christian is a small forward that posted big numbers and collected numerous awards during his high school career at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC. He served as Team Captain his junior and senior years. He was named All-Conference and All-Area in 2008, received the Coaches Award his junior year, and the Atwell Award in 2008, an honor given to only one student-athlete every year for excellence in academics and athletics.

Over his career as a Grimsley Whirlie he averaged 12 points and 10 boards per game, under Grimsley Head Men's Basketball Coach Darren Corbett.

Tonkins will continue to pursue his degree in Communication here at Montreat College under Department Chair Dr. Jim Shores this fall. He comes to the academic discipline with some real-world experience as well, having worked with Greensboro's WXII station's High School Playbook program. As he prepares to join the community at Montreat College, Christian says, "I am really excited to be going to Montreat. I get to do the things that I love doing here. Not only will I be able to participate in basketball on the college level, but I will also be able to receive an education that is Biblically based. I have been involved in ministry for most of my life, and I love it. At Montreat College I can develop my love for ministry and basketball."