Growing up with two brothers who were just as competitive as he is, Cameron Eakle found his drive early. “Growing up watching my older brother got me wanting to play baseball,” he said. “Me, my older brother, and younger brother are all so competitive, so we all try to be the best.” That sibling rivalry planted the seed, but what kept Cameron going was his love for the game and the role he plays on the field.
Cameron’s biggest influence has been his older brother Caleb. “He’s always pushed me to be better,” Cameron said. “He’s the reason I started, and I still look up to him.” Now a catcher for the Stigler Panthers, Cameron takes his job seriously. “As the catcher, I’m the leader of the team,” he said. “To prepare for this role, I’m always talking to the team, getting everyone ready for the game.”
The Panthers’ chemistry plays a huge role in their success. “Our team chemistry is really good,” Cameron said. “We play really well together, and it’s so fun.” That connection off the field translates to hustle on it. “Typical week of training is going to practice at 2:30 and getting there at 1:45 to swing off the tee. After practice, I go work out and get more swings in. On the weekends, the team is always in the cages getting better.”
Cameron’s proudest moment so far? “Being the winning run to walk off Poteau last year was special to me.” But he knows that baseball comes with its challenges too. “The most challenging moment in my sports career was freshman year going out and playing catcher for my team,” he said. “It was hard, but I overcame it by working for it.”
Looking ahead, Cameron has big dreams. “I could see myself trying to still play baseball, although it will be hard. Outside of baseball, I will be working toward becoming an eye doctor.” Whether it’s behind the plate or behind a pair of lenses, Cameron is chasing his goals with full focus. His advice? “Go compete, have fun, and enjoy high school sports. Train and take the time to get better—it will pay off.”
