Bennett Percival wants to experience more of what Enid was able to accomplish last season on the baseball diamond.

The junior first baseman/pitcher will play a key role in hopes of the Plainsmen returning to the Class 6A State Tournament.

“One of my favorite memories from sports will have to be making it to the state tournament this past year for baseball,” Percival said. “I am really excited for this upcoming year to hopefully make it back to the state tournament and hopefully win it all.”

Enid went 25-10 in 2022 under head coach Brad Gore. The Plainsmen advanced to the state tournament where they suffered a 3-1 setback to Edmond Santa Fe in the quarterfinals.

Percival, who has played baseball since he was in first grade, also plays quarterback on the Enid football team. He looks up to and models his game after New York Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge.

Percival feels his biggest upside is finding the gaps from the batter’s box, and he’s continued to work on his strength.

“My favorite drill in training has to be hitting off the tee in the cage,” he said. “My strength would have to be hitting balls in the gap. I have improved on my strength in the weight room throughout my career.”

Gore praised Percival’s strong character.

“Bennett is very involved in FCA,” he said. “He cares about his teammates and wants to win.”

Away from baseball, Percival enjoys spending time on the golf course.

“In my free time I love to hangout with my friends and I love to golf in my free time,” he said. “I love being a student athlete at Enid because we have very good guys and they are fun to be around.”