Like most high school athletes, Stratton Fuller aspired of competing at the collegiate level.
However, the talented Columbia City High senior wide receiver-defensive back was also thinking about life after his playing days were done.
After weighing scholarship offers from several programs, like Ball State and Bowling Green, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound standout instead chose to attend West Point.
"A lot went into my commitment to Army," explained Fuller, who carries a 3.88 grade-point average. "Possibly the biggest thing that went into my decision is my life after football. I have dreams of playing in the NFL (National Football League), but I am aware that things can happen and I may not get that opportunity, but with a West Point degree, I would be set for life.
"With as diverse of a place as it is, it is a great opportunity to evangelize to others. I also have always wanted to play (NCAA) Division One football and in my opinion, Army is the best school to set you up for life, while still being a Division One football school. When I visited as well it was stunning. The whole place is just amazing, and the facilities are power-level. It is also the school that wanted me the most of any other. That made me feel secure in my decision knowing they wanted me to go there."
There was a time, though, when he was not as confident in his future endeavors.
"Playing football here (Columbia City) has given me many opportunities to succeed and it has forced me to trust in God's plan," explained Fuller. "We run a run-heavy offense and at first, I thought it was only going to hurt my recruiting. However, I trusted in my faith and stayed the course. Not only has it helped me now, but at West Point it will help me because they run a similar offense."
Since getting a chance to contribute as a freshman with 20 receptions for 334 yards and seven touchdowns, Fuller has proven to be a difference maker.
In 2022, he helped the Eagles claim their first sectional crown since 1993 with 53 catches for 860 yards with 12 scores, and then earned Class 4A all-state status a year ago with 45 receptions for 707 yards with nine touchdowns and three rushing scores.
These accomplishments also garnered him a spot on the 2024 Indiana Football Digest's Prime Tume 25.
"It has been something that I have always aspired to be on, but I wasn't sure if I would ever get an opportunity to be on it," recalled Fuller. "It was an amazing experience to be a part of a group with many 'Power Four' players. I am only the second player in my school's history to be on it. (2015 graduate) Jared Murphy and I have a solid relationship, so the fact I could follow in his footsteps with being on the (IFD) cover is something I am very thankful to be a part of."
Since taking an interest in kindergarten and then starting in tackle football as a fifth grader, one person has fueled his passion for the game.
"The biggest influence of my love for sports came from my father (Lewis Fuller)," Statton said. "When he first started coaching (wide receivers) at the high school, my passion for football began. He has always been coaching me and he has done just about everything he could to help me get exposure, training, and opportunities."
Someone impressed with Fuller's progression is Columbia City boss Brett Fox.
"Stratton is everything a coach would want in a player," Fox said. "He is the hardest worker on the field, never accepting anything less than his best. He is one of the most competitive players that I have ever coached. He not only makes sure that he is bringing his all on every play and in every practice, but he brings his teammates along for the ride as well.
"As great of an athlete and teammate as Stratton is, he's an even better person in his daily life. Stratton is about serving others, loving God, and being a Christian that is not only saying the right things but also living out his faith in his daily walk."
The feeling is mutual for Fuller.
"It is helpful to have your head football coach and his wife also be one of your Sunday night youth group leaders," Fuller said. "Many Christian students don't have many teachers with that same faith, and I am lucky to have several teachers who have faith like I do. I am very thankful to be in a public school system that has many Christian teachers and administrators."
In addition to being part of the basketball team, he also takes part in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a church youth group leader.
"I have enjoyed playing basketball here and have had no issues connecting with Coach (Matt) Schauss," Fuller explained. "Although it is my second sport, basketball is a sport I still love to play. Coach Schauss and the other coaches have only made it more fun.
"I have many good friends who are on the football team, but what I would consider my best friends are all individuals who also put their faith above anything else that they do. I love football so much, but I have learned that it is merely just the avenue that I believe I need to use to further expand God's Kingdom. I have an opportunity to influence kids to Christ rather than just to glorify myself."
Being the program's all-time leading receiver with 119 receptions for 1,901 yards and 28 touchdowns has not changed his mind set in the least bit.
"The records I have achieved are great to have, but I have gotten better at removing myself from them because, at the end of the day, it is just a man-made achievement that I am sure will one day be broken," explained Fuller, who has 32 career touchdowns. 'Still, it is satisfying to know that all the work and gifts I have been given have proven to be effective."
Coming off a disappointing 6-5 campaign in which the Eagles dropped five of their last six contests, he is ready to put the past behind him.
Things got off to a good start on August 23 as Fuller came up with two catches for 78 yards with a touchdown, three rushes for 30 yards, three tackles, and a fumble recovery in a 42-0 blanking of visiting Churubusco.
He hopes to keep the good times going on August 30 when Columbia City (1-0) travels to the Rock Pile to take on Plymouth (1-0).
"I think as a team we gel well," said Fuller, who also does the punting and returns punts and kickoffs. "We don't have a single beef or rivalry on the team which is great to have. We may be a small senior class, but we all have a crucial part on the team, and we are trying to instill the mindset in everyone that we can be the first team to win a regional championship."
