USF Athletics

Help USF Support the Family of Christion Gainer After Hurricane Michael

October 24, 2018

SUPPORT THE GAINER FAMILY: GOFUNDME PAGE
 
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, OCT. 24, 2018 – The USF football program's thoughts are with Bulls sophomore offensive lineman Christion Gainer, who has been back home helping his family in Panama City recover after destructive Hurricane Michael ripped through the Florida Panhandle.

Gainer's family home sustained extensive damage from 150 mph winds that tore his neighborhood apart about two weeks ago. About 10 people, ranging from ages 1-89, were in the home when the Category 4 storm was approaching and fortunately everyone is safe after seeking shelter in the home and area.

"When they heard the hurricane was coming, they decided to bunker in. They thought they could wait it out," Gainer said Friday. "When it hit, the ceiling came through the living room and one of the bedrooms. My whole family was in there."

Gainer's mother Gina, said the family has been staying "wherever we can get a dry spot" with their home without power and water.

"They're trying to get that up and running for us right now," she said when reached last Friday.

Fallen trees now surround the home and Gina described the backyard as "leveled out." Another fallen tree is on the side of the house after narrowly missing the bedroom Gina was in at the time during the storm.

"That was like a blessing. Between the two houses, it fell straight flat there," she said. "Everybody is good, but we're just trying to make it the best we can right now."

The house itself has roof damage, which caused leaks that went through the living room and bedroom ceilings. The family's deck also is half gone while other neighbors weren't so lucky.

"All the houses around us, their roof is pretty much gone," Gina said. "Ours is intact, but of course there is leakage in there because of the winds and everything. Some of (our) roof is gone, but it's there."

Head coach Charlie Strong relayed his support to Gainer's family during last week's press conference.

"I told him (Christion) to take as much time as he needed with his family," Strong said.

Gainer's family appreciates the support from the Bulls football program and USF Athletics, which helped set a GoFundMe page for them. Those interested in helping out Gainer and his family can do so HERE.

"I appreciate everything they've done for my family," Gina said. "Just taking care of my baby was the main important thing because he was safe. Making sure that we're OK too, that's a blessing."

Although they're still dealing with the challenging aftermath of the storm, Gina is happy to have Gainer right beside her through a very difficult time.

"That was wonderful. I don't get to see him too often. They keep him busy," Gina said with a much-needed laugh.
 
ABOUT USF FOOTBALL
USF posted its second straight 10-win season in 2017 (10-2) by winning its second straight Birmingham Bowl with a 38-34 victory over Texas Tech. USF is one of just 15 teams nationally to win 20-plus games in the last two seasons (21-4) and posted a program-record 20 straight weeks ranked in the top 25, reaching as high as No. 13 in Week 8 of the 2017 season. The Bulls have won five of their last six bowl appearances and made nine (6-3) total bowl appearances in 21 seasons, including a current run of three straight bowls. USF won a program-record 11 games in 2016 (11-2) and has posted 14 winning seasons. The USF program, which first took the field in 1997, reached No. 2 in the rankings in 2007 and has seen 30 players selected in the NFL Draft, 14 named All-American and had 28 first-team all-conference selections.
 
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