Christian Gonzalez was celebrating his birthday party with some of his friends Feb. 22. These included Cottonwood High classmate Conner Beckstead and some members of Gonzalez’ family. 

That’s when, according to Conner’s mother Rochelle Beckstead that Gonzalez suffered “a stroke and was LifeFlighted to Primary Children’s Hospital.” 

Despite such devastating news, everyone including Christian’s own mother is staying #coltstrong during a difficult time for all members of the Cottonwood High family. 

“Christian’s mom has been reaching out to coaches and players giving us updates,” said Cottonwood head football coach Tui Satuala, who just completed his first year leading the program. “I can’t imagine what she is going through. Hoping and praying for him.” 

Many have been in this tight-knit community. 

In the days following Gonzalez’ hospitalization, his friends, particularly some of his wrestling and football teammates, have kept the Cottonwood sophomore in good spirits. 

In many cases, families for better or for worse tend to close ranks fast and only allow their own flesh and blood into a hospital room. 

That circumstance often depends on the health of the individual in question, but one person that has kept things together when the Gonzalez family has overextended their own time and resources is Rochelle Beckstead, Conner’s mom. 

Rochelle not only arranged some of the visits from fellow teammates and CHS students—she set up a GoFundMe that reached its $2,000 goal within days. 

On March 7, Rochelle was able to report some good news on the GoFundMe page she set up. 

“Thank you all again!! I will be presenting Christian’s family 1,758.50!! This is after the fees charged though go fund me!!,” she wrote. “I appreciate all of you!! Christian we are so proud of you!” 

To have that sort of relief after such a terrible ordeal must be a big help to the Gonzalez family that is doing all it can in an impossible situation. 

The stroke suffered by Gonzalez marks the second serious injury suffered by a Utah high school football player over the past 12 months. Bear River student-athlete Cameron West played on both offensive and defensive lines and passed away on July 5, 2024 due to cardiac arrest. 

Gonzalez, a 5-foot-7, 235-pound football player and wrestler in the heavyweight division for Cottonwood, played in similar positions to West. 

The Cottonwood sophomore Gonzalez was a force according to Coach Satuala, appearing on the offensive line at guard, and played in two positions last year on the Colts’ D-line, getting action at both nose guard and defensive tackle.  

One highlight came at the Colts’ game at Stansbury when Gonzalez shed his blocker, burst through the Stallions’ offensive line and brought down the ball carrier for a loss. The big play has already earned Gonzalez dozens of views on his Hudl page while several more plays from other games stand out. 

On that note, everyone including Gonzalez himself is crossing their fingers for a return to what will be his junior year at The Wood. 

Just recently, his mother offered some words of encouragement on the Colts’ football Instagram page. That could be the sign of more little victories to come for a young man who could deadlift 345 pounds and squat 315. 

“Great news—Christian was able to stand up today, get into a wheelchair, and even use the bathroom on his own. Goal No. 1 accomplished! His strength and determination are incredible,” she wrote. “He’s feeling a little pressure in his head, so he’s resting now, but nothing is slowing him down. While his arm isn’t working yet, standing up is a huge step forward.” λ