For Elk City senior Krew Keyes, baseball has provided more than opportunities to compete at shortstop and pitcher. It has taught him how to respond when things do not go his way.

Keyes enters his final year with the Elks carrying the experience of a player who has competed on big stages and learned that a difficult at-bat, a bad inning or a tough loss does not have to define an entire season. His message to himself is simple: keep going.

“[Baseball] teaches you to keep going through failure and don’t let it take over your whole game,” Keyes said.

That mindset has been important throughout his career, especially as a two-way player expected to make an impact both in the field and on the mound. At shortstop, Keyes is involved in the action on nearly every ball put in play. As a pitcher, he faces a different kind of pressure, knowing each pitch can influence the direction of an inning.

The best advice he has received fits that role perfectly.

“Just throw strikes,” Keyes said.

It is a short statement, but one with a meaningful message for a pitcher. Rather than overthinking the situation or letting a previous play affect the next one, Keyes focuses on attacking the strike zone and trusting his preparation.

One of the accomplishments he is most proud of is helping Elk City reach the state tournament in back-to-back seasons. Advancing to state two years in a row gave Keyes and his teammates a chance to represent their school against some of Oklahoma’s best competition while creating memories that will last beyond the final out.

Keyes also draws inspiration from close to home. His cousin, Kash, showed him what can be possible for a player from a small Oklahoma town after being selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft out of high school. That example motivates Keyes to continue working and believe that big goals can begin in small communities.

Among his teammates, catcher Geno has made a lasting difference. Keyes said Geno was consistently positive and helped keep his confidence high, an especially valuable quality for a pitcher and teammate during the ups and downs of a season.

As Keyes prepares for his senior year, he is grateful for the people who have supported him. He thanked his teammates for always being there, his coaches for their support and his parents for everything they do to help him pursue the sports he loves.