By Matt Browning

Malachi Rogers of Wellington was chosen as the Driving Change Athlete of the Month for November. According to the Crusaders head coach, Joe Newman, Rogers is a player that every coach would want on their team.

“Malachi is a great running back for the football team,” Newman said. “His combination of speed and toughness carry over to the basketball court. On the defensive end he’s able to pressure opponents and has a knack for coming up with loose balls. Whatever we need him to do he’s always willing and able.”

While being the type of player that does the dirty work is something Rogers is proud in, he wants to be more of a contributor in other areas for Wellington this season.

“What dirty work means to me is getting rebounds, getting on the floor for loose balls, hustling and playing defense,” Newman said. “I like having that role because I’m good at doing it, and I would do anything to help us win games. But I have been working during the offseason on my shot.”

Rogers is just one of many returning players for the Crusaders, which struggled to a 6-15 record last year. He thinks that record should improve dramatically this season.

“I have pretty good expectations for us this year,” Rogers said. “I really think we have a chance to be a really good basketball team this year.”

The plan as of right now for Rogers is to play football in college, but he is not sure where.