two aspects of one soul

By Kelly Mon

Sometimes people contemplate on if they want to join the high school football team because it could open up new chapters for the best or the worst such as good college applications or serious  injuries. Not for Him. 

16-year-old Marshal Bun, a timid high school student at Yerba Buena, fulfills his needs for achievement when he steps out of his comfort zone to join the Football Team.

Before he made the choice to join, he was really nervous. So during tryouts when he met his future teammates, he didn’t feel as equal. He was also easily intimidated by the juniors and seniors on varsity team as well. Bun didn’t really know what he expected when he decided to try out. 

Bun: “Like, I was a lot more shy and like I was super nervous (giggle) because I was like super awkward and like easily intimidated by the other people–espicially when I saw the (older) senior players on the team. They were so scary.”. 

But luckily things changed for the better and his character development was sky rocking. His love for football grew after that. 

Bun: “I became more resilient that's for sure. The football workouts really pushed myself beyond my limit, which gave me motivation to boost myself to hardworking.”. 

After his sophomore year ended, he decided to stay in the summer conditioning, which also allowed him to advance to varsity during tryouts. 

Bun: “I joined football mainly for the experience and also to better myself both mentally and physically.”

The grind to stay consistent with school and being in a sport can be extremely tiring at times for Bun. He has to stay extremely careful with how productive he is during practice, since if he overworks himself during it, the homework waiting for him at home will be left untouched–so he finds it pretty difficult for him to stay with a consistent schedule. 

Bun: “Ima be honest, I cant. Cause I dont have the time. Since my schedule is so packed, it’s very hard for me to even find free time to make a– schedule.” 

A regular day for Bun consists of school, training at practice, and then going home to do homework.

Bun: “A regular day at practice would either take place in the weightroom or film study. (K: “What’s a film study?”) It’s like watching videos and studying (giggle) what to improve. And then the weightroom is just working out.” 

Despite how casual and unserious Bun can be when trying to play the tough boy act, he is truly super proud of himself; he made it into the varsity team. He also used this as a chance to befriend his teammates and create a closer bond with them so they can interlink in and out the field! Thanks to their strong bonds, they’re teamwork is absolutely amazing and safe to say they all work well together. 

Bun: “My team is very talkative so our communication is up there and they lock in the right times”. 

Bun’s most memorable moment was getting his very first tackle in one of his games! He hasn’t gotten over the feeling ever since. 

Bun: “The most rewarding moment was getting my first tackle. When it happened, the announcer said my number and my name. (K: What’s your name?) Marshal Bun. (giggles) and my number is 54 (more giggles)”. 

When he’s off the field, Bun is also a very hard worker academically. He could even be labeled as a workaholic. He always keeps track of the amount of homework and assignments he needs to do everyday and gets it done in a heartbeat. Safe to say he’s very committed to his school life and field life.

Bun: “I wouldn’t say I was influenced but I do have a really amazing supporter, which is my best friend Kelly. She’s the reason why I strive to be better everyday and I’m glad to have her as my friend.”. 

Besides football, Bun has a ton of things he enjoys doing outside of school with his friends and family. 

Bun: “I really enjoy biking. I am a huge pokemon nerd and love collecting them. I’m also really into anime and manga.”. 

Bun is a very talented player and can put on a very tough look out on the field. But he still has a side where he can feel free to goof off with the people he loves most. When allowing himself to carry his joyful energy, it will definitely brighten anybody's day. That’s what makes him such an amazing person despite how hard he works everyday. 

As one of Bun’s best friends, I can confirm he is definitely someone anybody would enjoy being around and I mean it. Props to Marshal Bun for being such a hardworking person with the biggest heart.