By Blake Chadwick

McPherson senior middle linebacker Teegan Haines was one of the main catalysts for the Bullpups as they went 10-2 in 2022, losing to class 4A runner-up Wamego. Haines had a monster year, totaling 125 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions. With a lot of individual recognition after his junior year, Haines had no plans of slowing down. 

“I have prepared for this upcoming season by showing up to work out with my team day in and day out,” Haines said. “I would also say I have prepared in a way to be a leader to my team as a returning starter this year. I have been working to improve my speed, strength and my weight this offseason. I have the motor and the brain; I just need to continue to get faster and stronger along with that to be the best football player I can be.”

Haines notes that he isn’t the only one bringing it every day. 

“Summer workouts this summer have been great; our coaches are doing a great job pushing us to our limits and continuing to build team chemistry,” Haines said. 

The senior wants his individual stats to improve but, more importantly, wants to go down as being a part of the group of players that got McPherson its first state championship. 

“My expectations for the team this year are high,” Haines said. “I would say that we have a lot of people doubting us this year. I believe that my team and I are ready to prove those people doubting us wrong.”