Four-year lineman Christian Malachuk, Nazareth preparing for long road trip, title run

Christian Malachuk has his priorities in order as he prepares for Nazareth’s near three-hour bus ride to Dunlap on Saturday.

“Definitely prioritizing sleep this week, especially playing Saturday at 1:30 p.m., bus ride is going to be a lot longer than we’re used to,” Malachuk said. “Got to keep the body fresh and the mind fresh.”

Malachuk speaks from experience, which makes sense. A four-year lineman, this will be the Nazareth senior’s 52nd time putting on a varsity uniform, all but the first five games freshman year as a starter.

The CCL Lineman of the Year as a junior, Malachuk’s experience is invaluable for a young Nazareth line that starts two juniors and a sophomore around him and Missouri commit Luke Injaychock.

“His stats and his past performance speak for themselves,” Nazareth coach Tim Racki said. “It’s hard to be a four-year starter on the line. He’s not only managed it, but excelled at it. Extremely high football IQ, which is a blessing with blocking schemes having younger guys.”

“The sixth man” on Nazareth’s line the first five weeks of his freshman year, Malachuk got his first start at left guard the sixth game when the team’s right tackle was hurt.

Malachuk quickly learned what it would take to compete on the line in the CCL.

“Freshman year I was 225 pounds, I knew going into sophomore year I had to put on a lot of muscle,” said Malachuk, now 6-foot and 290 pounds. “Some of the kids we play in this league are freaks. I mean, it’s unreal. I had to develop my body, develop my mind.”

He’s been everywhere on the line since.

Malachuk started at left guard as a freshman, right tackle his sophomore year and left tackle as a junior. This year, he was moved to center and is also playing some defense.

“It helps tremendously putting him at center,” Racki said. “He’s able to communicate all of the checks and blocking schemes, makes it easier on the coaching staff.

“He can play any spot on the line with his athleticism. He is extremely athletic for his size with his footwork and technique. He’s always been a solid technician – that’s how he broke into the lineup as a freshman. He’s got some toughness and tenacity and competitiveness and he thrives in his leadership position.”

Malachuk is the second of three brothers to come through the Nazareth program. His younger brother Gavin is a junior playing outside linebacker.

Older brother Logan, a 5-11, 190-pound quarterback, broke an IHSA record for career passing yards while leading Nazareth to three straight state titles in 2022-24.

What about that size disparity between brothers?

“Our mom is 5 feet tall. It happens. We are doing our best to make it with what we’ve got,” Christian Malachuk said with a laugh. “I’m really grateful to use my talents.”

Malachuk would love nothing more than to add one more state title to the family legacy.

He was a freshman on the 2023 team that made history by winning a Class 5A state championship after going 4-5 during the regular season. This Nazareth group hopes history repeats itself in Class 6A.

“Having that 4-5 record makes us seem like the underdogs and we play that much better,” Malachuk said. “I definitely remember looking up to the senior leaders, especially my older brother. That junior and senior class was special to me, taught me everything I know. The culture coach builds is really special. We are so connected and strong as a team. No matter who we play, we’ll give it our all.”

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