Part of who we become is shaped by those that we surround ourselves with and look up to as role models. They can be someone that is part of our life or someone like a celebrity or professional athlete. Eric Olenberger says that he has had a few people that have made a big impact on his life.

“I would have to say that my dad and my coaches are the biggest influences on my life,” he said. “My dad has not only taught me how to play baseball but how to live life and also that baseball isn’t the only thing in life. All of these men are always pushing me to be the best that I can be and to always work hard to achieve my goals. I would not be the person I am today without them.”

Eric is a junior at Bartlesville High School. He is a member of the Bruins baseball team, playing catcher and pitcher. Olenberger has played the sport for about eleven years, and he says that over that time he has worked hard to continually improve his game.

“It takes a lot of hard work to be successful,” he said. “Even on those days when you want to rest and relax or you want to go do something with your friends, you have to be willing to sacrifice if you want to be your best when it is game time.”

Over his career, Eric has had some memorable moments on and off the baseball field. Out of all of them he says that there is one that sticks out the most.

“When I was younger, we were playing in a tournament,” he recalled. “We ended up winning seven games in one day. It was exhausting but it was also a pretty big accomplishment and something to be proud of.”

Along with playing for the Bruins, Olenberger is also a member of the Sandlot Baseball organization. He was also selected to play in the Oklahoma All-State Games last year.