Falling Back on the Finished Sports

By Ian Busking

Since the fall sports just finished their final competitions, student athletes are now finding new paths for their futures. For many of them, this season was their first time lacing up new cleats, spikes and shoes. However, for the seniors, their jerseys are bound to be framed and never worn again. Owasso Athletics had a successful fall season which included football, softball, cross country and volleyball.

Football

Although the football team lost in the first round of the playoffs, they had many players worth highlighting. A huge asset for the football team was senior Jake Clifton who left it all on the field for the team.

Clifton expresses that, “my future self is my biggest inspiration.” 

Clifton focuses a lot on self improvement as well as keeping himself stable on one goal at a time.  

One man who has helped him accomplish this mindset is his father. Clifton’s father placed him in YMCA sports at a young age and helped him explore all of his athletic options. 

Clifton remarks that his plans for the future are to, “play college football, get a degree, make some money, marry the one and then come back to check out how amazing Owasso has become.”

Cross Country

Photo of Gideon Hays and fellow cross country seniors taken by Sean Busking

Another senior who had a brilliant last season for the Rams and helped the boys to a second place finish at state is Gideon Hays. Hays was introduced to the sport in seventh grade and has been fully devoted to the betterment of the team and himself since he joined. He is most known for his character and how he affects the people around him in the sport.

Hays implied, “The way I’ve hopefully impacted the people on my team is by being someone that anybody can talk to, the fastest or the slowest runner, and creating a more inclusive environment. I’ve learned a lot about the sacrifice it takes to be great as a team.”

Hays’ favorite thing about participating in the sport is all the friendships that he has made during his time at Owasso. Whether it’s his teammates or runners on different teams across the state, Hays plans on keeping these friendships alive as long as possible.

Hays is currently applying for the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he plans to run track and cross country as well as become a Naval Aviator.

Volleyball

Next up is senior Lauryn Walters who describes her time at Owasso as bittersweet. Walters was devastated after realizing that this season would be the last time playing with her teammates. However, Walters will never forget the impact her teammates and coaches made during her time playing. 

Walters expressed, “The moral I gained through volleyball that will stick with me forever is attitude and effort. Coach Desandre always preached this because those are two things you can control and carry with you through whatever it is, life, practice, or games. Having a good attitude and giving full effort will lead you to success even if you are having an off day.”

Walters has used this advice from Coach Desandre on and off the court. Whenever she has bad days, she still has a great attitude and is very uplifting to others. Playing volleyball has been a long ride for Walters.

Since fifth grade, Walters has loved the sport but she is still undecided if she would like to continue playing in college while becoming a physical therapist.

Softball

The last senior on the list is softball manager Abby Harper. She might not have been out on the field playing the sport, but she still made a huge impact on the softball team.

Harper states, “Over the course of the season, encouraging the players and coaches were a big part of my role on the team.”

From her experience cheering the team on Harper gained many friendships, one of whom she looks up to. Fellow senior Lauren St. John is the reason Harper became a manager for the team.

These friendships along with her passion for the sport are leading Harper to pursue a career in sports medicine at TU as well as become involved in sports management.

Although this season might be the last time these seniors suit up for the Rams, they are excited to begin their new journeys. So go support the Owasso Rams seniors this year and help them make their last season the best!