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Mallan Roberts, all-star High School footballer, Alberta

28 May 2010 at 02:41 | 1138 views

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By Abayomi Charles Roberts, a proud dad.

Mallan Roberts recently returned from a sport camp, with all the accolades any kin, pal or parent would be truly proud of. Close to his eighteenth birthday, Mallan is making all the waves in high school football.

Actually, as far as sport goes, anything Mallan touches turns to gold. He has the trophies, shields and medals to show for that. On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, The Edmonton Journal daily newspaper formally recognized Mallan at an All-Stars Luncheon. At least 10 students from various high schools were similarly honored, with each collecting an exclusive ring. Mallan even retired his #70 Green-and-Gold jersey, for keeps as souvenir. He also brought home a shiny shield as winner of the 2010 Senior Bowl High School Football, All-Star Game (North). Mallan Roberts was crowned Most Outstanding Receiver.

Outstanding players that were recognized, and their respective portraits featured on the Journal newspaper (May 24,2010) are: Mallan Roberts (ME LaZerte); Doug Nothstein (Leduc Composite); Andrew Johnson (McNally High); Trevor Erdmann (Ardrossan Jr/Sr); Dexter Janke (Austin O’Brien); Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren (Harry Ainlay); Devo McEwan (Spruce Grove Comp.) Mark Sutherland (St. Albert Catholic); Kyle Springer (St. Francis Xavier); and Mark L’Hirondelle of WP Wagner High School.

The event was sponsored by DELTA Edmonton South, Jostens and The Journal’s News in Education’ section. It was an introduction of “Edmonton and area’s best high school football senior league players, as selected by coaches from Edmonton and area high school, for their outstanding performance and contribution to the game of football,” to quote the newspaper photo display.

Today, Mallan is now more of five-star athlete and utility soccer player. His heart is solidly focused on American Football. Mallan only plays soccer when friends urge him to play. He is currently Wide Receiver. Before that he was Quarterback in his high school squad. He just returned home from camp, as they beat stiff competition in the province of Alberta where Edmonton is headquarters. Mallan even scored a Touchdown, a crucial feat as his Team North sailed to victory.

I recall the first day he was issued with his soccer jersey, playing for FC Internazionale. The coach at the time, Pat Bruni, was hesitant getting my consent for Mallan to wear Jersey Number 13. Superstition. I was more excited and confident to worry about the Number 13 and I told Coach Bruni so. I just wanted my boy to play. And play he did; with excellent colours.

I even nicknamed him ‘Mister.’ His initials are MR. In retrospect, it worked in various sports, rather than borrowing the name of any world star. As he grew up he switched fan allegiance so often, just as he tried several team sports, I could hardly keep track. I catch up mainly by looking at posters in his bedroom and computer windows. Or even the video games he buys and plays. As I write, it is American football, with soccer a close second.

He is so strong and tough; I find it hard to digest. I mean he used to sit on my lap a few years ago. Now he is all of Six feet Two, close to 200 pounds…and counting. He graduates from ME LaZerte High School this year.

Meet Mallan Roberts, on and off the field; you would be thrilled you did.

Photo: Sierra Leonean-born Mallan Roberts.

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