Andover Central’s Cooper Elliot wears No. 13 on his baseball uniform, like Ryan Jones, his favorite, friendly Shocker outfielder.
Elliot grew up rooting for the Shockers from the outfield hill at Eck Stadium. Jones played right and center field for Wichita State from 2007-10.
Elliot remembers his personality as much as his playing ability. Jones talked with fans and signed autographs. Between games of a doubleheader, he joined them on the hill for a chat.
“I thought that was cool,” Elliot said. “He was my role model.”
Those memories led Elliot to give Wichita State a non-binding commitment in December.