Inola’s Rowdie Rock
By Byron Beers
Rowdie Rock wants to take the Inola baseball program to a place it’s never been.
The Longhorn senior hopes to lead Inola to a state tournament berth.
“This year, one of our goals is to make it to the state tournament, which has never been done in Inola baseball, but I look forward to having fun with my guys and having a great season,” said Rock, who has been a standout on the mound and as a hitter.
The Longhorns won seven of their first eight games to begin the 2025 season, and during that stretch, won what at the time was a season-best five consecutive games.
Rock hit .413 with an on-base percentage of .530 and a slugging percentage of .606 last year as a junior. He was also successful on 96 percent of his stolen base attempts.
He says he’s improved in every aspect of his game, but it’s at the plate where he’s made the biggest strides.
“I feel like I have improved a lot all around, but my hitting has improved the most,” Rock said.
Following his career with the Longhorns, Rock will continue playing baseball on the next level at Carl Albert State College.
“My proudest moment as a baseball player has definitely been giving the opportunity to play at the next level because not everyone gets that opportunity,” he said.
Rock was an all-district selection as a utility player during his freshman campaign and was awarded the same honor as a third baseman the previous two seasons.
Rock attributes his success to his parents and coaches.
“My biggest influences are definitely my parents and my coaches. They have always pushed me to be the best I can and they have never given up on me,” said Rock, who helped lead Inola to an 11-3 record through April 1.
