DYLAN WALDEN

OKTAHA HIGH SCHOOL

Oktaha junior Dylan Walden says that he eats, drinks, and sleeps baseball which is probably a reason that he is such an integral part of the Tigers playing in the fall baseball state tournament the past two years.

His coach Kevin Rodden appreciates the business-like approach that Dylan brings to the game.

“He hits at the top of order and sets the stage for us and how he goes is generally how the team goes,” said Rodden. “He leads by example and is not a real vocal guy but is the epitome of how we want our kids to act and perform at Oktaha.”

Dylan also plays basketball for the Tigers under the watchful eye of his dad and coach Dirk Walden who has influenced his life to a large degree, 

“Dad is my main motivator because he rips me a lot and in basketball tends to make an example of me when I mess up, but it’s all good,” laughed the younger Walden.

Dylan mentions his teammate and best friend Maddox Edwards as being instrumental in his decision to make an early commitment to play college baseball at Connors State.

“Maddox talked to me about Connors and then when I went to visit, I was impressed with the straightforward approach of coach (Perry) Keith who told me it would take hard work to make his team.”

Maddox was also mentioned when the subject of leadership game up.

“I think leadership is about hard work and gaining the respect of the team and I think Maddox is a role model for me in that regard,” said Walden.

The Tigers were 31-1 last fall before falling in the state semifinals to Silo-an especially painful loss according to Walden.

“We knew we were the best team going into the tournament and so it was really disappointing to not win and so everyone has really been working their butt off to be ready for this spring,” said Dylan who says his goal his to bring a state baseball championship to Oktaha before he leaves.