Gaige Albright
Choctaw High School
By Brad Heath
The Choctaw community loves their sports. The support the student-athletes receive makes Choctaw High School one of the top schools in the OKC area. The athletes respond to that support. Baseball season is no different. Choctaw High School’s Gaige Albright is a junior this season and he understands what that support means for him and his teammates.
“I love the community, every year they never fail to represent the gold standard. It’s just one big family and I think anyone that comes to Choctaw would get that same feeling,” said Albright.
A seasoned player of 12 years, Albright believes the team is coming together in a way that could result in the team being very successful this season. The last state title for Choctaw baseball came 50 years ago in 1974.
“The team is looking good. I think we’ll go far. There are a lot of dirt-baggers (hard workers) on the team who don’t give up when it gets hard. We’re well-rounded at every position, so I think that’s pretty good,” said Albright.
Albright speaks highly of his teammates and their abilities. The chemistry on the team is one reason Albright feels this team can go far this season.
“What I love most about my teammates is we’ve all been doing this together for a while now and when it comes down to the wire, I feel like we get tighter as a group and we just don’t give up because we know what each other are capable of,” said Albright.
Coming into the season, Albright said he is putting in extra work to improve multiple aspect of his game.
“There’s not just one part of my game I’ve worked to improve. I’m big on trying to succeed in all aspects of the game which I know is hard, but I would say my hitting is a big focus this year as I’m hitting in the middle of the order for our team. I’m also a left-handed pitcher and left fielder,” said Albright.
That same focus is applied to the classroom where Albright is a member of National Honor Society and is looking forward to extending his academic and athletic career in college.
“My favorite subject would have to be math, it comes easy for me, and I’ve always just liked doing it. I think my favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Sosenko. She’s been a favorite since 7th grade when I first had her in history. This year she moved up to the high school which I though was cool,” said Albright. “I will continue my athletic career at OSU where I’m committed to play baseball and I’m focused on getting to the draft.”
In his free time, Albright said he enjoys hanging out with friends and spending time with family, working out, and trying to enjoy the free time when he can get it.
Photos by Lindsay Tesio Photography, and Choctaw alumni Bob Whitaker.
