One day, Lincoln Riley calls Baker, and asks him to take his talents to Oklahoma. OU had always looked for hidden talent, and Baker seemed like the perfect fit. Baker had played at Texas Tech, but when he came to OU, he felt like a completely new player.
Things were going smoothly for Baker, until the Sooners played the feared Tennessee Volunteers. It was a rough game for him, but he found a way to mount a 17 point comeback. Sooner fans everywhere were in awe, as this was not something a quarterback has been able to do in the near past. They declared him a Heisman contender, and praised him like a king. Of course, Baker had mentors himself, including Lincoln Riley, and although he sometimes made brash decisions, he was good-natured and hard-working. Great things would come for Baker and the Sooners, and they lived this way until meeting the Auburn Tigers later that year. Once named King of the Football Team, he decided on his most trusted counselors and advisors, including Dede Westbrook, Mark Andrews, and Joe Mixon. This supporting cast made his career much smoother, as they were so talented he didn't have to be as perfect to get wins.
Like any great hero, Baker had his trials and tribulations. Losses to Auburn, Houston, and Georgia each stung uniquely throughout his career. However, under the mentorship of the great Lincoln Riley, he was able to overcome these and prosper in his next phase of life: The NFL
Author's Note: This story was based on the first chapter of the Monkey King story. This story tells the tale of a stone monkey who was born with powers, and proved himself to the rest of the monkeys that he was worthy of being king. Obviously, as my story was based on a real person and real events, some of the elements of the original Monkey King story were changed. However, I found that the story of Baker Mayfield fit the origin story of the Monkey King pretty well.
Story source: "The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book, ed. by R. Wilhelm and translated by Frederick H. Martens (1921).
I really like how you chose Baker to be the subject of this story- and I think he would like it too! As a walk-on he really has overcome so much to get where he is now! I always like it when I can't tell what story it is based off of immediately either. You made it your own. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteHello Rohan! Your story retelling is a such a creative and fun take on the original Monkey King story and actually fits together very well! I like how you told the story in a way that Baker Mayfield seemed to be the hero/king, but he also needed help from his "mentors, counselors, and advisors" to get him through any hardships and prove himself. This story was also well-written, which made it easy and exciting to read!
ReplyDeleteHey! I absolutely loved how you made this into a real person for the story. It gave so much life to the original story, that was already good as well. You have a very great technique at story-telling, and I am excited to see what other stories you come up with! I love the theme of your stories as well. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteHi Rohan,
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun concept, and certainly brings your story close to home!
I’m having a hard time, though, seeing how this is a retelling of a story from the reading. It feels just like a telling of Baker Mayfield’s story, which is great, but I think maybe needs something more to feel like you’ve put any kind of twist on it. Just my two cents.
Best,
A.M.