As a high school athlete there were few things that Max White could not do well as a three-sport star for the Durant Lions.
He guided the Lion football team to their last playoff appearance in 2009 before embarking on a sensational baseball career that included starring for the Oklahoma Sooners.
White will join his brother Bo as the newest members of the Durant Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies at halftime during Friday’s football game with Tulsa Edison.
There was little doubt to White’s baseball talents during a stellar high school career in which he was a fouryear starter for the Lions on the diamond.
Many remember his versatility on the gridiron where he started in various roles for three straight seasons, all of which finished in the Class 5A playoffs. He was a wide receiver, kick returner, cornerback, free safety, punter, kicker and ultimately even quarterback his final year following the graduation of his brother. Whatever the coaches needed done, White likely did it while helping lead the way to an 18-15 overall record and playoff appearances each of his three seasons as a starter.
Max’s kicking exploits were renowned, including setting the DHS school record with a 51-yard field goal against Tulsa Hale during his senior campaign.
While also participating in basketball for a pair of seasons, it was baseball where White blossomed into one of the best in the state. He led all Class 5A hitters with a .576 batting average his senior year while also blasting 16 home runs and nine triples while driving in 67 runs, scoring another 58 and stealing 35 bases just for good measure. On the pitching mound he added an 8-4 record with a 1.13 earned run average and 120 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings.
That brought a scholarship offer from OU where he developed into a diamond stalwart for the Sooners. His initial season garnered freshman All-American honors from three different organizations and the honors progressed on from there.
As a junior he was the only member of the team to play in every game and then captured All Big 12 first team honors as a utility player while also garnering All-Region recognition.
White’s total numbers in 239 games for the Sooners were outstanding, including batting .310 while notching 53 doubles, five triples and 23 home runs. He also stole 29 bases over the course of his career.