By Payton Moody 

In the world of high school football, standout players often emerge, and one name that has been making waves is Malachi Sunagoowie, a sophomore at Hartshorne High School. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 210 pounds, Sunagoowie has demonstrated his prowess on both sides of the ball.

Sunagoowie’s football journey has been greatly influenced by his favorite coach. “Coach Beare has been there for me since I started playing football, and he is a big-time role model in my life.” This mentorship has undoubtedly contributed to Sunagoowie’s growth as a player.

Teammates play a crucial role in an athlete’s life, and for Sunagoowie, his best friends Acetin Rowell and Kannen Osier have been particularly inspiring. Their support and camaraderie have pushed him to excel.

When it comes to teachers, Coach Williams stands out as an influential figure. Sunagoowie highlighted how Coach Williams guided him on the path to greatness. Additionally, he credited his mother as a significant role model for her unwavering support through thick and thin.

Preparing for the upcoming season, Sunagoowie focused on both mental and physical goals. He worked diligently on getting stronger and improving his football IQ, ensuring he is ready to contribute to his team’s success.

Football, with its ups and downs, has taught Sunagoowie a valuable lesson: “always show respect to everyone you meet, it will come back to you.”

Reflecting on his favorite memory in the sport, Sunagoowie reminisced about the thrill of getting a home playoff game for the first time in years and beating Wilburton to keep the streak alive.

Looking ahead to this season, Sunagoowie is determined to get stronger and more intelligent every day. He has set ambitious goals for himself and the team, with a keen desire to win the district and go all the way.

Among the upcoming matchups, the game against Stroud stands out as a highly anticipated battle. Additionally, Sunagoowie is hopeful for a rematch with Woodland, eager to claim the revenge from last year’s playoff game.

Beyond high school, Sunagoowie aspires to study dermatology while continuing to play the sport he loves at the highest level.