Christian Metzger keeps kids in game with his best shot
 (Lancaster On-line)

It might be something like trying to make a full-court shot with one second left in the game.

And Christian J. Metzger is looking for nothing but net.

High expectations?

That's OK with Metzger, 28, director of development for Leadership Through Athletics, a nonprofit charity that was formed to teach leadership to youth by using sports.

Metzger, a Columbia native, has the job of trying to raise about $2 million for a new sports center that opened in December outside of Baltimore.

The self-described sports fanatic who has a degree in marketing found an unbeatable combination with Leadership Through Athletics.

The center has two full-size basketball courts, indoor batting cages and pitching mound, and an educational wing.

It's not only a job. Metzger also works with the children who come to the gym from the surrounding economically depressed area.

"You can't help but love these kids. ... You get pulled in. You see you're making a difference in their lives."

But it isn't just kids in Lansdowne, Md., that Metzger wants to help.

He has created a new program called Charities Helping Charities, and a local sports organization, Spanish American Lancaster Sports Association, known as SALSA, will be the first to participate.

SALSA's baseball teams have been invited to the Leadership center in Lansdowne in March to take part in clinics on hitting and pitching, meet some minor league ballplayers and enjoy a catered party, all paid for by Leadership Through Athletics.

SALSA needs to provide its own transportation for the day, and Metzger is hoping a local company would like to pay for a bus so all the boys could ride together.

Metzger would also like to find a retired Baltimore Orioles player to take part in SALSA's clinics, but hasn't come up with the money for that yet.

Each year, Leadership Through Athletics will choose a nonprofit youth group to attend a special event at its Lansdowne gym, Metzger said.

Anyone who would like to help Leadership Through Athletics can call Metzger at 410-737-2117 (cell); e-mail c.j.metzgercomcast.net; or write to 2900 Hammonds Ferry Road, Baltimore, Md. 21227.

Family: Parents, Vince Sr. and Wanda Metzger, Columbia; brother, Vince Jr., Middletown; and grandmother, Miriam Oberholtzer, Columbia.

Education: St. Peter's Elementary, Columbia; Lancaster Catholic High School, graduated in 1994;Salisbury University, Maryland, graduated 1999 with a business degree with dual concentrations in management and marketing.

Birthplace:St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster.

My first job: Folding boxes in a tomato factory in Columbia at 13 years old.

Someone who has influenced my life: My parents and grandparents made me the person I am today.

The best thing about my job: Getting paid to think "outside the box."

The toughest part of my job: Finding substantial funding for the charity in this economy.

A person I admire: Anyone willing to sacrifice to become a priest.

My unfulfilled ambition: Hike the Appalachian Trail, or at least part of it.

One thing I've learned is:In the world of philanthropy, you have to ask to receive.

If I could change one thing: The health-care system.

There ought to be a law against: Not smiling enough or not laughing out loud regularly.

What I'd like to get around to doing one of these days:Restoring my 1969 Mustang.

The music I like best: Whatever I am in the mood for at the time. I listen to everything from JayZ to Dave Matthews to B.B. King. No country, please!

My favorite movies:"Old School," "Rocky I-IV," "Hoosiers," "Office Space," "Heat" and "Scarface."

My favorite current entertainer: David Chappelle or Will Ferrell.

My favorite television programs: "The Simpsons," "Family Guy" and "Scrubs." Death to reality shows!

My hobbies include:Traveling, sports, cooking, wine, regional art.

My pets include:Orange tabby cat named Lou.

My favorite foods: Seafood and pretty much anything Italian.

My favorite restaurant: Prudhommes' Lost Cajun Kitchen in Columbia.

My idea of an awesome time: Watching the Philadelphia Eagles

My idea of exercise: Basketball, ultimate Frisbee, kayaking, hiking.

My favorite quote: Live free or die.

Favorite Lancaster County tourist attraction: The Susquehanna River and all of the great tributaries, trails and overlooks that it has to offer.

One of my greatest accomplishments: Raising $2 million for a new church in Okeechobee, Fla., when it was believed it could not be done.

My greatest disappointment: Not sticking with piano when I was younger.

My secret vice: Golf and cigars, many times together.

The car I drive: 2002 Ford Mustang GT.

The car I would like to drive: 1969 Shelby GT500.

Words that describe me: Honest, simple, generous, patient, fun, loyal.

If I could have a one-month, all-expense-paid trip to anywhere in the world, I would go to: Italy, to reconnect with part of my heritage.

Sunday News (Lancaster, PA)
Publication Date: February 13, 2005
Tag: 10229033
Section: LANCASTER
Page: B-3
Maria Coole

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