At Elk City High School, freshman athlete Khourie McClure is already making a name for himself in both wrestling and baseball. Competing at 126 pounds on the wrestling mat and taking on roles as a catcher, pitcher, and infielder on the baseball field, Khourie balances two demanding sports while maintaining his focus in the classroom.
For Khourie, success doesn’t come easy—it’s built through hours of effort outside of school practices, whether it’s lifting weights, putting in extra swings, or refining his technique. He says that what keeps him going is simple: his father. “My dad motivates me,” Khourie shares. “I want to be just like him when I’m older.” His father’s influence has taught him the importance of discipline and persistence, qualities Khourie carries into every competition.
A moment that stands out in Khourie’s young career came during his 8th-grade baseball season, when Elk City defeated their long-time rivals, Weatherford, in the first game of the year. The rivalry still fuels his competitive spirit. “It always feels good to beat them—they’re a big rival to Elk City,” he says with a grin.
In wrestling practice, Khourie pushes himself by going up against teammate Noah Lemons, whom he considers both a great partner and one of the hardest-working athletes on the team. “I think Noah doesn’t get enough recognition for how hard he works,” Khourie adds.
Balancing academics and athletics is something Khourie takes seriously. He never postpones schoolwork and refuses to train until homework comes first. One teacher who has made a lasting impact on him is Mrs. Sutton, who “always hears me out and is a great person all around.”
Representing Elk City means everything to Khourie. “It means the world to know that people from other towns can look at us and see how well Elk City develops its students and athletes,” he says. With his strong work ethic, respect for others, and deep motivation from family, Khourie McClure is just getting started on what promises to be an exciting athletic journey.
