By: Blythe Lenon
Baseball is a sport that requires having a ‘positive, coachable attitude,” according to Senior Baseball Player Nolan Myrko, of Chickasha High School. Myrko has played baseball all four years of high school and plays catcher, first base and pitcher. He is also on the archery team. When asked what motivates him to play baseball in particular, he said “probably just winning a state title and seeing the end goal and chasing it.”
For Myrko, he has had many influences who have set a good example for him as an athlete and person, both at school and at home. “My dad is a police officer and works long shifts and seeing how hard he works to provide for us is very inspiring. My baseball coach, Mike Ross, has always been there to help me and is a huge role model. At school, Melissa Finck was one of the teachers who impacted me most. I know if I ever needed help with anything, I could go to her,” Myrko said.
Playing baseball for four years has come with highs and lows but for Myrko, one highlight moment sticks out for him. “Last year in an area game against Bethany, I got put in as pitcher and we were losing. I ended up shutting them down for 2 innings, which gave our team momentum, and we ended up winning!” Myrko exclaimed! Aside from Bethany, Myrko said there are other rivals his team really enjoys going against. “Elk City is probably the one I enjoy playing against and beating,” Myrko said.
Becoming a successful baseball player requires time, dedication, coachability and of course, practicing against teammates that make you a better player. “Layton Bryan is a good friend of mine. We’ve grown up playing ball together. He is a better player than me honestly, and is always there to help me out and push me,” Myrko said. Myrko is enjoying playing ball for the last time as a senior at Chickasha and said “it’s enjoyable and honorable” to be able to represent his community when playing.
