Carsten Copeland, a junior at Elk City High School, took the time to answer questions about his life and his love of baseball. 

Q: What is your favorite part about being on a team?

A: I enjoy having accountability from my teammates. It forces me to stay on track and be responsible. 

Q: Why are you passionate about your sport? 

A: I’m passionate about baseball because I have been playing pretty much since I could walk. I set goals for myself early in life and work every day to reach those. 

Q: Which professional athlete do you look up to and why? 

A: I look up to Anthony Rizzo. Not only did he beat cancer, but he then came back and won a World Series. He is a good example of never giving up. 

Q: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why? 

A: The teammate who left the biggest impression on me would have to be Cooper Church. He would always show up with a good attitude and a hard work ethic. 

Q: Where do you want to go for summer vacation and who do you take with you? 

A: I would take my family and travel the country to catch as many MLB games as possible. 

Q: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete? 

A: My favorite part about representing Elk City is the community around us. It seems like the whole community is cheering us on everywhere we go. 

Q: What has been your favorite memory and/or accomplishment of playing? 

A: My favorite memory is our Gulf Shores trip my sophomore year. My favorite accomplishment is being a part of a state tournament team my previous two years of high school.

Q: What is your favorite all-time meal?

A: My dad cooks smash burgers for some occasions. Those have to be my favorite meal. 

Q: What is the best advice that anyone has given you? 

A: The best advice I’ve been given is to have a short memory. You can’t dwell on the past; good or bad. You must focus on the present and not let the past affect you.