Broken Arrow’s Landon Thiel
Broken Arrow High School student-athletes thrive in an environment of support and accountability. Landon Thiel, a BAHS senior on the varsity baseball team, says their coaches hold them accountable on and off the field, setting high standards for what it takes to represent the Tigers.
Athletes are expected to maintain academic standards while performing in their given sport. This is a challenge for many students. “The biggest challenge for me is managing my time between academics and the demands of baseball,” says Landon.
A supportive environment makes it possible for athletes to fulfill the expectations placed on them. “The support I receive from my parents, coaches and the community gives me a sense of confidence every time I step on the field,” he says.
Landon began his baseball career as a four-year-old. From summer league to high school ball, he has grown in skill and is now a pitcher for the BAHS varsity baseball team.
“I’m most proud of the growth I’ve had over my high school career, both in my performance and as a leader on the team,” he says, “One of my strengths is being able to confidently throw my off-speed pitches in fastball counts. This season, I’ve made solid progress with my velocity. It has gone up about four to five miles per hour since last year,” he says.
Preparing for games involves time on the practice field along with understanding the opposing team he will face. “I prepare mentally by studying the opposing lineup and getting locked in with my teammates. We like to hype each other up before games to get in the right mindset,” said Landon.
Success on the field comes most often when a team plays well together. A team playing in sync is hard to beat. One of Landon’s favorite things about his team is how well they all play together. “What I love most about my teammates is how close we are. Many of us have played together for years and we’re always lifting each other up and staying positive throughout the game,” he said.
Along with supportive teammates, Landon says a huge influence in his life is his dad. “He’s always pushed me to grow as both a player and a person. His support has meant everything to me.”
Landon wants to continue his baseball career after high school. His goal is to play college baseball while working to earn a degree in biology.
