Senior Spotlight on Rocky Cherry

Sept. 18, 2001

This fall, each returning senior on the OU baseball team will discuss several topics, from what they've learned to what they expect this year, as these individuals begin their final season of competition as student-athletes at the University of Oklahoma.

Senior Rocky Cherry, an effective relief and starting pitcher, is a three-year letterwinner for the Oklahoma baseball team. The Coppell, Texas, native has a career record of 20-16 with 128 strikeouts at OU. Last season, Cherry led the team in wins (eight), earned run average (4.88) and became the Sooners' all-time leader in appearances (72). An outstanding student, Cherry has been selected to Academic All-Big 12 first-team three times and has been member of President's and Dean's List. Cherry, a construction science major, was selected in the 2001 Major League Draft but decided to return to school.

Do you feel you have to do anything differently now that you're a senior?
"I'm the person that people look up to as well as listen to because I'm a senior. Therefore, I have to be a leader not only by word but by example. I believe 'attitude reflects leadership' and I want to be represented well."

What have you gotten the most out of playing baseball at the University of Oklahoma?
"I have learned how to handle adversity and overcome it. I feel that it will help me not only in athletics but in life as well."

Do you have any advice for newcomers or those who want to play baseball at Oklahoma?
"Not only to take baseball serious, but school as well. There are few people who ever make it to the professional ranks. Take care of business in school so when you're done playing baseball, you'll have something to fall back on."

What are your thoughts on fall practice?
"It's a time for new players to get accustomed to the system and Division I baseball and for players to work on their game and improve it."

What are your plans after you leave the University of Oklahoma?
"I have desires to do certain things, but whatever plans God has for me is what I will do. I don't know what they are, but I will know once I get to that point in my life."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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