Chickasha High School baseball player Kyler Venable has had a lot of ground to gain this offseason. He fractured his fibula during football season.

“It was extremely hard. There wasn’t much I could do,” Venable said, “but as soon as I got back, I put so much work in the cages and on the field, get where my team needed me to be.

Venable was out for about a month. After that, it was all work.

“Just focusing on things that happen throughout a game and working on what pitches I might see in a game such as outside fastballs and such,” Venable said.

He’s chasing big goals. A year after the Fightin’ Chicks finished 30-8 — but failed to make it out of regionals — Venable wants it all.

“My goals for this year are to take in all the moments with my team and ultimately win a state championship. It is something we have all wanted since our freshman year, and also another goal is to help the younger guys and be a player leader for them,” Venable said. “Ultimately, it is going to take all of us to truly believe that we have what it takes because we truly do have what it takes. We just need to get that mindset that we can beat anybody.”

Venable, who was named District 4A-1 wide receiver of the year last season, inherited the sports itch from his parents. His dad played baseball and his mom played basketball. In his free time, Venable also hunts, fishes and golfs.

“They have been huge supporters, and I am extremely blessed they come to all of my games, and that means a lot to me,” Venable said. “They have poured so much into and have supported me every step of the way. I am extremely blessed.”

Venable’s parents, along with his faith, were essential during his recovery process.

“I keep God at the center of my life, so my faith in him really helped me as well, because I know that he has a plan for me,” Venable said.

Venable committed to continue his baseball career at MACU in January.

“It’s a great school, for one, and it has a great atmosphere. For the baseball side of things, they have a great program, and they also have a great coaching staff that truly cares about their players,” Venable said.

He’s excited about “getting to work and just grinding, doing what I have been doing just to continue to chase the dream.”