Collin Church is a multi-sport athlete for Elk City High School. He is a senior who plays sports year-round. Basketball, football and baseball allow Collin to embrace his passion for competition. “I like competing, whatever it is, especially with my boys. I love playing with my hometown friends against other towns and just seeing how we compare and compete,” he said.
Athletics teach valuable life lessons. “Hard work sets you in front of the rest, but doesn’t guarantee success,” says Collin. The following advice keeps him motivated. “You can’t change the past, so don’t dwell on it. Whether you lose a big game or make a big mistake, once the game is over you can’t change anything so don’t sulk over it.”
Collin remembers his first basketball experience playing on the kids league in Elk City. The first team he played for was the Elite 2025. Being on a team with his friends was the beginning of his love for basketball. He strives to set a good example for the little kids and young players who now watch him play for ECHS.
While memories are made during games, sometimes it is the time spent training and making new friends that stands out. This is true for Collin. “My favorite memory is Frontier camp my sophomore summer. We got to stay in a classroom for a week with other schools and there were no rules, so it was a great time,” he recalls.
When asked who he is most inspired by Collin says, “My dad. He is a good man and works long hours for our family and still comes home in a good mood every day.”
Collin values his family. He thanks his sister Casady for being a good sister and always having his back. His brother, Cooper, is the teammate he most admires. Playing with Cooper as a freshman and sophomore were the best times. “He was a great competitor, did stuff the right way, and was very wise for an 18-year-old,” said Collin.
His favorite teacher is Mr. Perkey from sophomore year. “He was my media productions teacher. He was a young teacher, so he was fun and interactive. Mr. Perkey also is a very relatable dude,” says Collin.
Collin’s involvement in school activities goes beyond athletics. He is in FFA, FCA, NHS, Key Club, and is on the senior class committee.