In this special Rough Cut Interview edition of Pryor to the Snap, we continue our mission of spotlighting the incredible high school coaches across the state of Oklahoma. This time, we sit down with Coach Brandon Clapp of Commerce, Oklahoma, who coaches high school baseball and middle school and high school girls softball, and whose impact reaches far beyond the field.
Coach Clapp opens up about his personal journey in sports, what athletics meant to him growing up, and how those experiences ultimately led him into coaching. We talk about the responsibility that comes with leading young athletes, the importance of coaching with a servant’s heart, and why relationships always matter more than wins and losses.
In addition to coaching, Coach Clapp is also a 15-year veteran sports official in the state of Oklahoma. He shares insight into the officiating side of the game, the mentors who shaped him both as an official and a coach, and how seeing the game from multiple perspectives has made him better in every role.
A major part of this episode focuses on the Mickey Mantle Classic, a massive annual baseball tournament hosted in Commerce, Oklahoma. Coach Clapp discusses what the event means to the town, the school, the athletes, and the community as a whole—and how humbled he is to be a small part of something so impactful. We also talk about ways people can get involved, including sponsorships, donations, auctions, and community support. (And yes—Pryor to the Snap was officially invited out to experience the event firsthand.)
We also dive into an honest and refreshing conversation about Commerce’s location in far northeastern Oklahoma, its proximity to Picher, Oklahoma, and the surrounding Tri-State mining district. We take time to dispel click-bait myths and tired narratives, choosing instead to talk about Picher as it truly was—a home to hardworking people, families, and deep history. Coach Clapp’s use of the phrase “Picher People” perfectly captures the pride, resilience, and humanity often left out of the conversation.
This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about community, service, history, mentorship, and doing right by kids. If you care about Oklahoma high school athletics, small-town stories, or the people who quietly make a difference every day, this is one you don’t want to miss.