The ability to play one position well in a sport is normally where most athletes focus their energy. However, for Elk City High School junior Wyatt McConnell, playing two positions in baseball, 3rd base and outfield, comes with ease. Many would consider Wyatt a baseball veteran having played the sport for over 10 years.
Asked what it has taken to become successful at baseball, Wyatt did not hesitate to answer. “It has taken putting in lots of extra hours lifting and training.”
In terms of who his biggest role model is, Wyatt stated, “My dad, because he taught me the importance of hard work.”
In addition to his father, Wyatt looks towards his teammates as people that motivate him. Wyatt stated, “Teammates Carsten Copeland, Kash Mayfield, Catch Geno, and Collin Church help motivate me; they all always push me to be the best I can be in baseball.”
Wyatt went on to say what helps make him better at baseball, Wyatt stated, “Prior failures push me to become better, as you learn from your mistakes.”
Many high school athletes have a professional athlete that they admire. For Wyatt, that person is Major League Baseball player Jose Altuve, who plays for the the Houston Astros. Wyatt stated, “He is my favorite professional athlete because he is a good person, and I really like his swing.”
High School Baseball, like many sports, especially in Oklahoma is intensely competitive. When asked which opponent Wyatt enjoys beating, he stated, “I enjoy winning against any team in our district, because it means we are one step closer to winning State.”
Besides playing baseball for the Elk City Elks, Wyatt is a member of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The FFA Organization, and The National Honor Society.
After graduating from Elk City High School, Wyatt plans on furthering his education. Wyatt explained, “I want to college, and while there, play college baseball.”