Senior right-hander and first baseman Colton Wheat has learned that high school baseball demands more than a strong arm and a good glove. For the Nathan Hale High School Rangers, it starts with a mindset.
“The most difficult part is just the amount of focus and commitment; you have to really want it if you want to achieve anything in baseball,” Wheat said. That commitment has shaped his senior season, where he balances anchoring the pitching staff with providing a steady presence at first base for the Tulsa program led by head coach Allen Medlock.
Wheat said the Rangers’ dugout looks and feels different this year. “What I love so much about those guys, the energy is super high for us this season and that’s due to a lot more leadership and commitment out of guys,” he said. “They boost my confidence so much, it gets easier to pitch when you have guys like Tyrese and Will who are willing to run through a wall to catch a ball, or infielders like Yandel and Evan who you can count on to get an out.”
In the classroom, Wheat gravitates toward leadership as well. “My favorite subject is probably the new leadership class this year, my favorite teacher is without a doubt Coach Medlock,” he said.
Away from Nathan Hale’s home field, Wheat points to a pair of road venues that stand out. “My top two fields to play at would probably be Claremore because playing at Legion Field is just awesome, or Inola because the hospitality is always so great when we go out there,” he said.
Wheat traces his work ethic to a former Ranger. “I’m probably inspired by an older senior, Aidan Massey; his story just shows how much work he’s put into baseball and he’s one of the hardest workers and I admire the way he just studies every aspect of baseball,” Wheat said.
When he is not on the diamond, Wheat keeps his schedule full. “I enjoy going out with friends and family, I like to watch sports, and love doing things to keep me active,” he said. That approach extends to his future. “My plans for after school is to attempt to play college ball somewhere at the college level,” Wheat said.
