Crull Living Out His Cowboy Dreams

Jaxson Crull was born to be an Oklahoma State Cowboy, and his orange and black journey has placed him among the elite in Stillwater.

Recently, Crull was named a 2023-24 OSU Senior of Significance, awarded to the top one percent of all OSU graduating seniors who have excelled in scholarship, leadership, service to campus and community and have brought distinction to the university.

Crull, who hails from Bixby, Okla. and is an outfielder on the Cowboy Baseball team, was one of 59 seniors to earn the distinction among a group of nearly 4,700 OSU students.

"It's a great honor, and I'm very appreciative – I give 100 percent in everything I do, and it's nice to be recognized for that," Crull said. "I just want to play baseball for Oklahoma State and represent them the best I can on and off the field. It's great that OSU recognizes seniors like that, and I'm just blessed to be a part of it."

And the Cowboys are equally grateful to have Crull in their clubhouse.

"Jaxson is a model student-athlete, a servant leader, a gentleman and a true teammate," said OSU head coach Josh Holliday. "I'm so proud of the way he has pursued excellence both on the field and in the classroom during his four years in Stillwater.

"Jaxson is the kind of person you want on your team. He is totally committed in ways not often seen in today's day and age. He is and will continue to be successful in life because of who he is."

For Crull, success in Stillwater is a dream come true.

Crull's parents, David and Tamara, are both OSU alums, and he grew up attending Cowboy football games and baseball camps.

"From the day I was born, I bled orange," Crull said. "I've grown up around the university and the campus my whole life. I remember writing my goals down in seventh grade and one of them was to play outfield for Oklahoma State; I always had that vision and worked my whole life for it. I'd have played for OSU if it was a concrete field – having O'Brate Stadium is just the cherry on top.

"It's just an honor to play for Oklahoma State."

And truthfully, there was no other place Crull would've felt right playing college baseball. He patiently waited through the recruiting process for the only offer he wanted.

"It was tough because other schools were reaching out first, and my heart just wasn't there," Crull said. "When the bad guys down south started talking to me, my parents didn't know what to do. Once OSU called, I committed on the spot. This is where I want to play."

Over his first three seasons, Crull has established himself as a valuable role player for the Pokes. He's played in 113 games, and while he's not an everyday starter – he's made 21 career starts – he's had a huge impact on OSU's success with his speed on the basepaths, bunting ability and defensive prowess.

"Some days it is tough – looking from the outside in, you might see I'm not starting everyday – but I get to impact the game in different ways in critical situations," Crull said. "A lot of times when I go in, it's a pressure situation or a close game. That's something I enjoy, and I'm thankful Coach Holliday has trust in me for those situations.

"I enjoy the pressure situations. It's tough, but you've got to enjoy the moment. Sometimes you catch yourself fearing failure, but that's where I tell myself 'It's still baseball, it's still just a game.' I think back to Little League – there's no fear, if I strike out so what, I still get a snack after the game.

"The pressure situations are something I feel like I've thrived in. I've learned to slow my heart rate down, take deep breaths and just be present in the moment and play baseball."

And really, only one thing matters to Crull when he dons his Cowboys' uniform.

"Being an Oklahoma State fan, too, it means something for us to win – I have a lot of pride," Crull said. "More than just my playing time or boosting my draft stock or caring about NIL money, I care about Oklahoma State winning. There's stuff off the field and in the dugout that's just as critical."

Off the field, Crull's credentials speak for themselves. He's found his niche as a management information systems major, where he carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

"It's technical but also business focused," Crull said. "I need a technical skill and something that will challenge me, but I also have a business mind so I like a bit of both. I've enjoyed every minute of it."

A two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team performer and six-time member of the OSU President's Honor Roll, Crull will graduate in May 2024 and has already accepted a full-time job with ONEOK in Tulsa as a software developer in the IT department.

"It's a relief having that reassurance and being able to plan ahead," Crull said. "With baseball, a lot of it is unpredictable – not knowing where you're playing, who you're living with, where you'll be travelling. So knowing a plan is in place is a breath of fresh air."

With one more semester in the classroom and one more season on the field on the horizon, Crull is excited about his future, even with his time in Stillwater winding down.

He will continue to serve as Cowboy Baseball's SAAC representative, a role he's held for four years that focuses on NCAA legislation to make the lives of student-athletes better, and he has also launched a successful business through Pokes With A Purpose that produces custom NIL merchandise for OSU athletes.

Having accomplished so much already, Crull has one more goal in mind before his time on the diamond at OSU comes to an end.

"It's bittersweet seeing the finish line ahead," Crull said. "We haven't been to Omaha (College World Series) since I've been here, and that's obviously a goal. But more than that, winning Omaha. I think sometimes people just chase Omaha, but I want to win it all.

"I want to empty the tank, pour as much out as I can for my team and my teammates, and just leave a legacy and something that will impact Oklahoma State baseball for the rest of time."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

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Jaxson Crull

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