By Travis Sloat

Bartlesville High School senior William Parsley said he had a definite set of goals when he stepped onto the diamond this year for his final season in a Bruins jersey.

“Personally, I wanted to make my last season count, especially after losing last year,” Parsley said. “I wanted to make lasting memories with my teammates. As a team, I wanted to see us be able to play with one goal and put the team before the individual.

“As a team, we’ve been able to play for the person next to us by being willing to lay down a bunt or make a great play to pick up a teammate,” he continued. “All throughout the fall we’ve talked about doing that, and it’s starting to come to fruition.”

As a senior, Parsley said he wants to leave a more personal impact than just being successful on the field.

“I look at all the younger guys as younger siblings,” he said. “I try my best to help them, both on and off the field. I’ve set up a couple of study sessions for them, helping them out with homework. I also try to lead by example when on the field, hoping that the culture the seniors have been working on will stick with them.”

Additionally, Parsley said having good character is something Coach Price has talked about since day one.

“Character is the measuring stick people use,” Parsley said. “On the field, I try to never drop my shoulders or my head. I also always try to stay positive. Off the field, I do what I believe is right, even when no one is looking. I’ll go out of my way to help someone, or make sure everyone is comfortable.”

In his free time, Parsley said he enjoys playing disc golf with the baseball guys, or playing regular golf or volleyball with his friends.