If a high school coach or administrator were to create an ideal student for their school, who excels at numerous activities, they might just create someone like Duke McGill of Bartlesville High School. 

Not only does McGill carry a 4.0 grade point average, he is also a star wrestler and drummer for the Bartlesville marching band, while also playing lacrosse during his summers. 

During his wrestling career, he has earned spots at both the kid’s club state championships and junior high state championships. He is trying to earn his first spot in the 6A state tournament this month. 

McGill opened up to what makes him so successful in many areas in his life, including on the wrestling mat. 

“It’s tough to manage all of my activities, but it all comes down to time management,” stated McGill. “By always completing my school assignments on time, that is the key to being able to participate in all of my other activities.”

There are other factors that contribute to McGill’s success though, like a solid support system.

“My biggest influence in life has to be my dad,” said McGill. “He was a very successful wrestler and football player in high school, and he knows how to push me in the right ways to help me perform to the best of my abilities.”

McGill says it isn’t easy to juggle his busy life, but has some advice for other doing the same thing as him.

“It takes a lot of practice and commitment,” McGill said. “I have to push myself at every practice to get better. All my teammates and friends help me a lot. Some of my fondest memories in my career come from relationships with my teammates, the jokes and camaraderie that come with each year are very special.”

For now, McGill hasn’t yet decided whether he wants to continue his lacrosse or wrestling career in college. He does plan on attending college though, where he wants to earn a degree in accounting.