Sapulpa’s Zeke Porter has grown into the kind of player and person younger athletes can look up to. A varsity soccer standout for Sapulpa High School and a competitive player with WSA, Porter anchors the midfield, typically lining up at defensive mid while also earning reps at attacking mid.
Porter points to a match from his freshman year as his favorite memory. Sapulpa trailed Tahlequah by a goal before rallying to tie the match and eventually win in penalty kicks, with Porter calmly burying his attempt to help spark the comeback. “I was fortunate to score mine, putting our team on the board,” he said.
Soccer has tested Porter in multiple ways, but he said the game has strengthened his perseverance more than anything. He has battled injuries, navigated changing teams and dealt with disappointing results, all while learning how to respond. “All of these things have taught me how to not lose focus no matter what comes my way and always work hard and focus on the next thing,” Porter said.
Porter also credits the people around him for shaping who he is. He lists former teacher Mrs. Buck, who taught him in third and fifth grade, as a major influence after she encouraged him to lead the local elementary FCA and helped him discover his passion and purpose off the field. His parents, who built a local dance studio and gymnastics gym from the ground up, remain his biggest inspiration. “I hope that one day I can work as hard as they do, and inspire my kids just as they inspire me,” Porter said.
With deep family ties to Sapulpa, Porter takes pride in wearing Chieftain blue and playing in front of the home crowd. “My family bleeds Chieftain blue, and it is finally my time to do my part in continuing the tradition,” he said. “I love playing for the crowds and aim to inspire kids watching to grow up and play on the same field I do.”
