VYPE: ​​What does it mean to you to be a Chickasha student-athlete?

Clara Duncan: To me, being a Chickasha student-athlete means to be a leader in all manners of speech and conduct. There are so many times in my time as an athlete that I’ve been able to be a leader when it seemed nobody was watching, and I learned that from the upperclassmen when I was younger. 

Brittney Horn: Being a student athlete at Chickasha means we are challenged to excel in the classroom and on the field. It means you hear Mrs. Murray wish you luck every game day. It means you get to represent yourself and Chickasha High School as you play along side some of your closest friends. Lastly, it means after a hard-fought battle your community is there to support you in the end.

VYPE: How do you feel the community supports its school’s sports and activities?

CD: I feel like as my high school career has progressed, Chickasha has really stepped up in supporting our athletic programs. From the Bill Wallace Pre-K students to great-grandparents and everywhere in between, everyone has shown a tremendous amount of support by showing up, giving monetary support and just being encouraging overall. I’m so thankful for our community, and I know my peers are just as thankful as I am. 

BH: I feel our community is one of the biggest supporters for Chickasha Schools. From the countless volunteers we’ve had to help us, to the support from local businesses from fundraising. Chickasha’s community has been there to motivate, inspire, and uplift their Fightin’ Chicks through it all. 

VYPE: Which teammate, past or present, has inspired you the most?

CD: The teammate that has inspired me the most is my best friend, Reese. She is a grade younger than me, and because of this, she has pushed me to be better without even saying a word. I try to be a better leader so that she can see my example, and in a way, she has been an example to me. She’s one of the hardest workers in the gym, and she pushes me to be better in and out of the gym.

BH: The teammate that has inspired me the most is my best friend, Monica Mills. She has helped me through my hard times and pushed me to be the best I can. Her and her family have helped me accomplish my goals as a student athlete. Monica’s fierce and confident attitude is one that is inspiring and admirable. 

VYPE: What would your younger self be most proud you’ve accomplished? What advice would you give to her?

CD: This month, I was selected to be a candidate for an Oklahoma FFA State Office. This has been a dream of mine for a few years, and I know that my younger self would be thrilled to see all of the things I have accomplished through FFA, including this candidacy. 

BH: My younger self would be the most proud of how hard I am working and staying on track. When I was younger I would always think about the life I was going to make for myself. I now am an athlete in three sports, I have two jobs, I have completed numerous college classes, and I have recently been named one of the valedictorian’s in my class. The advice I would give my younger self is to not worry about what other people think about you, do what makes you happy.

VYPE: Which southwest Oklahoma restaurant does everybody need to try?

CD: Ken’s Steak and Ribs in Amber, Oklahoma. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Oklahoma, but definitely in southwest Oklahoma!

BH: Brandi’s Bar and Grill is a new arrival to Chickasha. The food, environment, and people are some of the best in town. Brandi has been serving Chickasha for more than 20 years and has recently opened her own restaurant. You can always count on good food and a friendly atmosphere. Go to Brandi’s to get one of the best burgers around! 

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

CD: After high school, I plan on attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in an agriculture-related field, though I’m not entirely sure which one yet.

BH: After high school I plan to continue going to school to become a respiratory therapist. I also want to travel, it has always been so interesting to learn about other cultures to me. I have high hopes for my future and I am very determined to achieve my goals!