Fútbol or Football…in the United States, football refers to the 11-man gridiron action or American football while soccer is the term used for the European association football. Fútbol is a direct rendering into Spanish of the English football sport. For Kobe Clark, it’s two sports that he enjoys the opportunity to compete and be part of the tradition of the McAlester Buffaloes.

The center forward on the pitch for the gold and black clad soccer team began playing soccer at the age of six while competing in another sport. “I started playing basketball for the Boys and Girls Club and my coach told me about soccer. When I first played it I instantly fell in love with it and have played ever since,” recalled Clark, who now wears jersey number two this spring. “Most people think we just run around and kick the ball when in reality you also need a high IQ to be good at the sport and just play smart on the field.”

Conditioning and strength is a plus for Clark whether he’s competing in soccer or in football. “Playing the center forward, I have to stay on the move in order to lose my defender and get open for the shot on goal. It requires quickness and leg strength,” said Clark who handled kicking duties for the Buffaloes in their run to the Class 5A semifinals. “Playing football last fall gave me the opportunity to improve my leg strength which helped me with my kicking duties and now is benefiting me in soccer.”

Smart and strong, the self-description choices of Clark are confirmed by McAlester soccer coach, Kevin Wright. “Kobe has one speed, fast and physical. He’s a player that makes good off the ball movement to open scoring chances,” replied Wright. “Off the field, he puts in extra time at the gym to improve his talents and in the classroom maintains straight A’s.”

It’s all what Clark says is just having fun, including hanging out with friends. “No matter what we’re doing, I try to always be nice to everyone, young and old alike and treat others the way I want to be treated.”

Including conquering assignments in his favorite subject, math, Clark maintains a 3.91 GPA with aspirations for a career as an architect and dreams of a chance to play pro soccer. “Whichever path I follow, I’ll always follow the words of coach Jared Sutmiller, who I see as a second dad and someone I trust and respect,” claimed Clark, “just keep going and NEVER give up.”Published: 26 April 2021