December 31, 2019 Issue, Page 17 of 17

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Page 10 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Tuesday, December 31, 2019 OSU football: A humble star on the field, Malcolm Rodriguez shows his true personality out of the spotlight By Scott Wright and he took it personal. grandmother passed down onships, along with being a home, he’ll pop into his got raised, he never had that The Oklahoman, Okla- “Other than that, he’s re- to the entire family. standout baseball player. mother’s classroom at the cocky arrogance about him homa City ally light-hearted, loves to “Oh yeah, Malcolm loves But when he goes home elementary school and read that he was better than the joke, smiling all the time.” food,” said Shanna, who to Wagoner, he’s just Mal- with children or join them other kids, or a level above HOUSTON - When he After serving as a role picked up the Mexican colm, even if some folks on the playground. them.” watches his younger broth- player as a freshman, Mal- cooking skills to keep her around town view him dif- “There was never a doubt That is the most notice- er’s on-camera interviews colm was second on the three sons happy. ferently. in my mind that Malcolm able constant in the loud answering questions with a team in tackles as a start- She already has the menu “He’s a guy that walks on would make it in college, and laughing regular-life calm voice and a respect- ing safety last year, and ap- planned for Malcolm’s re- water around here,” Wag- because I feel like you have Malcolm and __football- ful tone, Roman Rodriguez peared to be in line for an turn home to Wagoner after oner football coach Dale to be a good person,” said player Malcolm who seems sees a familiar personality. even bigger season in 2019. the bowl game: a wet burri- Condict said. “But if you Stephanie Brumnett, whose to be channeling his older His own. In late August came the to, Malcolm’s favorite dish. stripped away all the sports son, Jory, is in between brother’s soul in the media And that’s the irony. news that Malcolm had “It’s this big ol’ bur- and the accolades that he’s Malcolm and Roman in age spotlight. Oklahoma State lineback- been moved to linebacker tito,” Malcolm said. “She received, if he wasn’t ath- and played sports with them “We were best friends er Malcolm Rodriguez’s to fill the void at a position puts rice, beans, meat in it, letic at all, he would still at Wagoner. and arch-enemies grow- personality outside of the crippled by injuries. What then puts queso on top. Sal- be one of the best kids I’ve “Being a good athlete is ing up, because we were so media spotlight is the polar seemed like a move of des- sa, guacamole, more rice. had the opportunity to be only part of it, but he’s a competitive and so close opposite of his older broth- peration now looks like one Chips on the side. around. He’s a very good- good person. Even when he in age,” Roman said. “His er. of brilliance. “It’s good stuff, and it’s hearted guy who is very was a little kid and he was personality is different than “The person you see when Malcolm’s play at line- homemade.” humble.” wrestling, it didn’t matter mine, but he’s still just a Malcolm is talking in inter- backer has rated some- Though Malcolm has been When Malcolm is back how many times his hand good, humble kid.” views, that’s more like me where between reliable and teammates with Brock Mar- in general,” said Roman, spectacular all season as he tin for only three seasons at who is almost two years became an anchor of the OSU, they’ve known each older than Malcolm. defense that helped No. 25 other since the age of 5. And “On camera, you put that OSU to an 8-4 record and their families have known respectable approach out his appearance in the Texas each other even longer, fol- there, but the real Malcolm, Bowl against Texas A&M lowing their boys to youth he’s a pretty goofy, outgo- Friday at NRG Stadium. wrestling tournaments. ing guy. He’s the one who’s Co-Op Gin [The Elk City News went “Malcolm’s a _ sweet- gonna try to make every- to press before the game heart,” said Penny Martin, body smile in the room and kicked off.] Brock’s mother. “He’s al- ways so pleasant. He’ll al- bs PURINA try to make you laugh.” But if you really want to Malcolm’s —_all-business get to know Malcolm Ro- ways give you a hug. approach in front of the me- driguez, you'll have a bet- “He loves food, but he’s dia is a carry-over from the ter chance over a plate of so sweet, if you take him football field, where he’s red chicken and borracho out to dinner, he’I] order the D is intensely serious about beans. cheapest thing on the menu. what he does. Born to a father of Mexi- He’ll get, like, a kid’s plate. CATTLE MINERAL “Since he was a kid, he can heritage and an Ameri- He’s just considerate like 125 YEARS OF was always joking,” said can Indian mother from the that. I have to tell him, Shanna Rodriguez, the Cherokee tribe, the blend ‘Malcolm, it’s OK, you can FEEDING GREATNESS mother of Roman and Mal- of cultures is important to order real food.’” 720 S. Main, Elk City- 580-225-0191 colm. “A little too much, Malcolm. Malcolm’s athletic ex- www. elkcitycoop.com sometimes, until it came And that shows up most at ploits are well documented. to sports and competing. the dinner table, particular- Three state football titles Then, he’s so competitive ly the Mexican cuisine his and two wrestling champi- A brand-new year is on the way, and so it’s time for us to say: a isis We hope it brings peace, joy, good health From all of us... and good fortune each and every to you andyourfamily, day. Many Thanks & Best Wishes! HA. (PP ApS we wish you a Happy, healthy and.prosperous ‘New Year! UNIT SUPERMARKETS 2700 W/ 3rd St. Elk City 1580 sae288 ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. « 102 S. Main St. » 580.225.2580 Member FDIC. SAYRE: 711 N.E. Highway « 580.928.2580 https://wwwfnbec.com/ Equal Housing Lender