Boston Knowles
Purcell High School
The first thing you think of when talking Purcell High School athletics might be coach Charles W. Wantland who needs to introduction or Lester Lane, the 1960 Olympian who won a gold medal as a member of the USA basketball team. Whatever your reference, one thing you may not think of is Purcell baseball. A group of players which includes junior Boston Knowles is trying to change that.
Knowles started playing baseball at the age of four and said everyone has embraced the baseball team despite the team being young.
“What I love most about being a student-athlete at Purcell High School is the connections I’ve made with other athletes, classmates, teachers, and coaches. Playing for a small school is special because the whole community shows love and support whether I’m on the field or in the classroom,” said Knowles. “Because we are a young team, we’ve made some young player mistakes and we’ve been down a couple of pitchers. Although our record doesn’t reflect it, we have a really good team with a lot of talented players.”
The hunger is there, and Knowles said everyone is working hard to improve and compete.
“This season has been challenging because of some unexpected injuries and being a young team. We’ve lost more games than we’ve won, but I believe we are learning from it and growing stronger as a team. My teammates have shown positivity and comradery despite the adversity. This is the closest-knit team I’ve been on during my high school career,” said Knowles.
Experience may be an issue for now, but Knowles and a few other players have experienced post season play which will help this team down the stretch.
“My favorite memory competing for Purcell was during my freshman year when we were playing for the regional championship against Oklahoma Christian. They were a very talented squad and so were we. We battled it out to the last game of the series, and although we fell short, we competed and played for each other,” said Knowles.
The junior is a member of National Honor Society, JOM, and is working toward his goal of attending college where he wants to earn a degree in sports medicine.
Knowles said he is proud of this team and how they continue to work to get better.
“My defense has really come along this season. I’ve worked hard in the off season and I’m continuing to see progress. Our coaches have encouraged us to take chances and make things happen on the baseball field. We’ve been very successful turning double plays, getting the out in a rundown, and keeping guys from stealing bases. We are always looking for the next out.”
