Current outfielder for the Elk City varsity baseball team, Wyatt McConnell, is more than just a student-athlete. McConnell is a member of FFA, a group he joined as a freshman. Now a senior, McConnell said he plans to continue studying in agriculture in college.

“My plans after graduation are to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agricultural business and management with prerequisites for veterinary school,” said McConnell.

Being involved in agriculture as a family has helped McConnell determine this path in life.

“My family has had a farming/ranching business for over one-hundred years in western Oklahoma and have always been deeply rooted in the agriculture and the FFA program. The person who encouraged me the most to join the FFA though, was my father. He obtained his state farmer and American degree,” said McConnell.

For the senior, there are many things he loves about the program.

“The thing I enjoy the most about the FFA is all of the great people I’ve met throughout the years. This program has provided me with countless memories and lifelong friendships,” McConnell said. “I am the current President and former Treasurer of the Elk City FFA chapter. I have attended C.O.L.T. Conferences, Made For Excellence, Lead 360, Teach Ag Days, and FFA days at the capital. I also competed my freshman year in Opening and Closing ceremonies, and we qualified for State. I also have been involved within community service within our chapter.  These community service activities include flag days, Christmas baskets, and food pantries.”

As for baseball, McConnell is a three-year starter and is someone who loves being around his teammates.

“What I love most about my baseball team is that my teammates and coaching staff make the atmosphere feel like a family,” said McConnell.