There is one thing that almost every athlete has in common. No matter at what level they compete, they all want to be successful in their sport. But success is not just something that happens, it has to be earned by hard work and preparation.

“I have always had to be determined and willing to put in the hard work,” Blade said. “To always trust in my teammates and know they have my back and they trust me. Also trusting in God and knowing He is always with me. Remembering that He gifted me with amazing abilities and I need to use them. The biggest thing that has made me successful is to always pay attention to the lessons in the losses.”

Lippe is a senior at Adair High School, where he is a member of the basketball and track teams. He has played both sports all four years of high school. 

When it comes to role models, Blade has a pretty good one that he can look up to and go to for help. 

“My sister, Keni Jo Lippe, is a big influence on my life,” he said. “She is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. She spends hours upon hours in the gym working on her craft. She plays D1 basketball at Oral Roberts University and dominates in every game she plays. She is my biggest supporter and is always there for me.”

The most memorable moment of Blade’s athletic career was an accomplishment that he and his teammates were able to achieve.

“The highlight of my career would have to be making it to the baseball State tournament during my Junior year,” he said. “Adair boys at that time hadn’t been to state in a long time and it was an incredible moment that I shared with my teammates.”

Lippe is also involved with things outside of sports. He served as vice president of the student council during his freshman and sophomore years, and then president of the group during his junior and senior years. He is also a part of the Mid America Youth Marketing at the Google plant in Pryor.