By Derrick Smith

Athletes do not just normally become athletes out of the blue. In a lot of cases, there is a family history of playing sports, even a specific sport, that causes them to participate in that sport. And to say that Dempsey Price Gillman has athletic blood running through his veins would be an understatement. 

“I look up to a couple of athletes,” he said. “One of them is Jim Thrope. I am a direct descendant of him and I have always been determined to be a great athlete like him. The other would be Conor McGregor because he is relentless and tough.”

Dempsey attends Metro Christian Academy, where he is a member of the school’s football and baseball teams. The senior plays both catcher and infield for the Patriots baseball team, while on the football field, you will find him on the defensive line.

Pat Foster, the head baseball coach at Metro Christian, says that Gillman is a solid player and will he should make an impact at the next level.

“Dempsey is a senior catcher on our squad,” Foster said. “He is a great player and has signed to play baseball at Witchita State University.”

Throughout his career, Dempsey says that it has taken a lot to become the player he is today. He says that he also has enjoyed a lot of great moments with his teammates but there are a couple that he has enjoyed the most. 

“It has taken a lot for me to be the athlete that I am today,” he said. “Unwavering determination and the willingness to put in the hard work at two key factors. As for the top moments of my career, winning the 2A state championship in football. Also, my walk-off hit at the Oklahoma State baseball games.”

Away from sports, Gillman is also a member of the Drama Club and the Cherokee Language Club. He also says that throughout his education, he has been blessed with some outstanding teachers, but there is one that stands out.

“Mrs. Mainprize would be my favorite teacher,” he said. “She instilled in me a love of learning that I still carry and will carry with me for years to come.”