By Trina Walker

Oakley Caruthers knows the importance of being part of a team, how to fight through adversity, and the necessity of a strong work ethic. He learned these valuable lessons on the football field.

“Football is my happy place to have fun and hang out with my friends while playing the sport I’ve always loved,” he says.

Now a sophomore, Oakley got his first varsity start for Norman High football as a freshman against Edmond Memorial.

“Beating them in an overtime thriller is my favorite football memory,” he said.

His highlight this past season was securing the first victory against Norman North since 2019. Representing NHS as a student-athlete is an opportunity for Oakley to combat stereotypes of football players. He exemplifies a football player who is kind and respectful.

Play your own game is the advice he follows on the field.

“Don’t play dirty even if your opponent is. Just play loose even if others play angry,” he says.

Oakley gives a shoutout to his coaches for helping him become a stronger athlete. He is especially thankful to his position coach.

“Coach Hensley gave me the chance to prove myself on varsity as a freshman last year,” he explained.

Oakley’s dad is his inspiration, and a former teammate is someone he admires as an athlete.

“He always pushes me to be my best and believes I can be great,” Caruthers said. “Conner Evens has left the biggest impact on me as a teammate. He shared his knowledge of the sport and was a great friend off the field.”

One of his earliest childhood memories was watching the Seahawks play the Broncos in the Super Bowl. The perfect vacation would include his love of football.

“I would trade my summer vacation for a winter vacation and take my family to Seattle to watch my favorite NFL team, the Seahawks, in a playoff game,” said Oakley.

Oakley was a state qualifier in wrestling as a freshman. He is part of the National Honor Society, United Way, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the NHS fishing club.