By Angela Brunk
As Malcolm Riley steps on the field as a senior this season at Pittsburg High School, he’s embracing his final year of high school football with focus, gratitude, and a strong desire to lead. Playing fullback, Riley is determined to be a great teammate and role model, both on and off the field. “One of my biggest goals this year is to give it my best every game and leave it all on the field,” he shared with Vype Magazine.
Riley and his teammates are working toward constant improvement, focusing on getting better each week. One game he’s especially excited about is the matchup against Fort Scott. What’s driving Riley the most this season is that he’s looking forward to suiting up one last time with his friends and is determined to show the coaches just how much he’s grown and improved through hard work and dedication.
During the offseason, Riley put in serious work, both physically and mentally. He participated in summer weights and early morning scrimmages against other teams. The team attended camps at Washburn University and scrimmaged several strong teams, which helped the team grow in skills. Through all the training, they built chemistry and trust. “Like Coach Latt says, ‘The tighter we are, the better we are,’” Riley shared.
Though he wasn’t a key starter last year, Riley made the most of every Friday night opportunity. He learned from experienced seniors ahead of him and took pride in giving 100% whenever his number was called.
After graduation, Riley plans to attend Labette Community College to pursue a degree in radiology. He also competes in track, rounding out a well-disciplined and hard-working high school career both on the field and in the classroom.
