Sports
Bethany-born strength coach brings Oklahoma work ethic to Rays’ World Series
Bryan King, the Tampa Bay Rays’ head strength and conditioning coach, says his baseball path began in Bethany and led through Putnam City West, Connors State, Arkansas and the University of Oklahoma. He is with the Rays as they try to recover from an 0-2 World Series deficit against Milwaukee.
Bryan King’s route to the World Series began in Bethany, where he grew up playing baseball before building a career in the sport that has now spanned 23 years in strength and conditioning.
King, the Tampa Bay Rays’ head strength and conditioning coach, was with the team ahead of Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, Oct. 26. The Rays entered the game trailing 0-2 in the series and looking to get back into contention.
King graduated from Putnam City West in 1997. He went on to Connors State College and the University of Arkansas before playing his senior season at the University of Oklahoma, a chance he described as fulfilling a childhood dream.
After his playing career ended, King found a new way to stay in baseball through strength and conditioning. He said he has been in the sport his entire life, but experiencing the World Series with his team and family was a new milestone.
King said the steady, keep-working approach he associates with his Oklahoma upbringing helps him navigate the highs and lows of a season. His advice to the team: focus on the next day, regardless of the previous result.
The Rays were scheduled to host Game 3 at 7 p.m. Monday, seeking to cut Milwaukee’s lead in the best-of-seven series.