By Hayden Swope
Manny Morales of McPherson has some high expectations for the season, including a goal that every team strides to complete. The first team all-league athlete returns for his final season.
“I’m highly focused on just getting results in each of our games,” Morales said. “I would love to get all of the team involved in goals, but some games require one or two people to just step up. A state championship is what we’re aiming for as a team, and we have the talent and hard work to make it happen.”
After seeing where he shined on the field last season, Morales spent the offseason perfecting flaws and bettering his skills.
“I’m preparing for the season by spending most of the day with the ball at my feet,” Morales said. “I have been working on my technical skills and my headers, which I felt were my biggest weaknesses from last year.”
While every game is exciting, Morales is most looking forward to a little friendly competition.
“I’m very excited to face off against Rose Hill,” Morales said. “I am very good friends with one of their seniors, and the assistant coach is my club coach. It’s always a close game, and if we can make it competitive, it means that we have a chance at the state title.”
After graduation, Morales hopes to continue playing the sport he loves at the next level.
“College is going to be the next step for me,” Morales said. “I’ve been communicating with a few college coaches, and am in a great position to make a commitment in the next few months after the high school season is over. I’ll be majoring in engineering and will for sure find a way to play soccer after college.”
