Sabre Spotlight: The Dynamic Duo
Pictured (left to right): Dominic Lee (14) and Malachi Moore (28)
The two young men pictured above go by the name The Dynamic Duo. For those of you who don't know, I attended Sumner Academy of Arts and Science in Kansas City, Kansas. Sumner is the number 1-ranked public high school in the state of Kansas and has received national attention many times for its outstanding college prep curriculum. Malachi and Dominic are sophomores at Sumner. I befriended them last year (my senior year) and when they asked me if I could do a piece on them, I couldn't pass up on the opportunity. Ahead of Sumner's game tonight against Bishop Ward High School, here's a little something to inspire the team and Sabre football fans alike.
Dominic plays QB for the Sabres. He looks up to Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott for inspiration. When asked about when/why he started playing football, Dominic shared a neat story about his childhood. He would kick the ball to his uncles because he hadn't yet learned how to catch. Once he grasped that skill, you could find him spending lots of his time playing catch with his uncle:
"He'd say 'you catch 10, you get to go in' and sometimes I'd drop the 9th ball intentionally so that we could play catch longer."
If that doesn't describe a love for the game at a young age, I don't know what does. Being this is Dominic's first year playing Varsity football, he is eager to get to work and do all he can to help his team win. Dominic is a special player with a special skillset. He threw for 1600 yards in just six games during a middle school season and is looking to bring that energy and skill to the high school field.
Dominic isn't just a star on the field. He was recognized earlier in the school year for displaying outstanding citizenship when he helped a family in need. The world needs more athletes who are good at their craft, good in the classroom and good people!
Check out some of Dominic's highlights:
Malachi has had a unique path get to where he is today. He looks up to Jamaal Charles, Terrell Davis and Tyreek Hill; all football players who bring a sense of excitement to their game, much like Malachi himself. He was inspired to play by watching the professionals and, more importantly, his older cousins. His cousins realized Malachi was talented at a young age and he started playing in second grade. When asked about his goals for the season, Malachi emphasized he wants a winning season and to be healthy to end the year. Health is a big reason why Malachi is who he is today.
Malachi tore his ACL and meniscus in his knee last season. For a freshman, or any player, an ACL is one of the most grueling, difficult injuries to come back from. A meniscus tear, in addition to an ACL tear, is asking a lot of a freshman to work on rehabilitating. I had the pleasure of having class with Malachi in both semesters last year and it was truly amazing to watch him recover from these injuries. It was devastating to see such an exciting, positive young man have to sit out of class activities in team sports in the fall and hobble around the art room in the spring, but refreshing to see his smile light up the school no matter what obstacles were thrown his way. Every week or two I'd ask him how his knee was doing, and Malachi was always making progress. Hats off to this kid for balancing school work with rehab from a grueling injury, all while remaining positive. Malachi is the epitome of a professional.
Check out Malachi's highlights at:
I asked each of these young men a few questions related to their school and team as well:
How does playing in the USD 500 school district impact Sumner's team?
Malachi: "Our district may not be the best equipment wise, but we are filled with students who are willing to work hard to achieve the goals they create for themselves."
Dominic: "This district doesn't have as much financial support as other districts that are publicized throughout high school football, but I'm proud to say that there are a number of outlets such as The Best Foote Forward and ShuKC that put us out there."
What's your favorite thing about being a Sabre football player?
Malachi: "I love the coaching staff and the atmosphere is always positive and players aren’t afraid of a little constructive criticism when needed."
Dominic: "My favorite thing about playing here is the patience of the coaching staff and their dedication to our development as athletes and overall men. Pushing me and my teammates in the right direction for our future careers."
What's the biggest challenge of being a student athlete?
Malachi: "For sumner we get a lot of assignments and homework, so the hardest would probably be managing time between sports and school, but I have gotten way better at this since I’ve been doing it for awhile now."
Dominic: "The hardest part about being a student athlete is getting a schedule of priorities set and actually following through after being tired, not easy being mentally tough."
When you look back on the season, what's one word you want to be able to use to describe it?
Malachi: "I would use the word comeback, because that’s exactly what this season is for me, a comeback season."
Dominic: "Progression. I'm going to trust the process and carry out the will of the coaching staff to the best of my ability and hope that I'm putting in results in progression."
Malachi wanted to add "Philippians 4:13, S/o to The best Foot(e) Forward, wouldn’t be anywhere without my family and supporters!"
This story has been a ton of fun to write, and these two young men reiterate that student athletes are truly special. To be model citizens, students and athletes is a lot to ask of high school kids. Dominic and Malachi are talented, positive, exciting young men and I can't wait to see what's next for them. Go Sabres!
This is your daily reminder to put your Best Foot(e) Forward like these two young men! Spread a positive message and be exuberant. People will follow suit!
As always, if you'd like to get in touch with me or follow my social media accounts, you can find them here:
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