By Jayden Mies
Freelance reporter
Special to the Tribune
As the 2024-25 school year begins to reach the halfway mark, several seniors at Pratt High School have begun to look at athletic plans for college. Recently, two star Greenback athletes, Taye Wilson and Kollyn Strong, signed their letters of commitment to their universities of choice.
First, Wilson made his announcement via Instagram that he had committed to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for wrestling. Wilson came into high school as one of the highest prospects in the state of Kansas. Since his freshman year, he has claimed two KSHSAA State Championship Titles, as well as a Folkstyle Nationals Championship.
One of Wilson’s best qualities is his unmatched work ethic. Throughout his three and a half years in high school, he was always working on mastering his craft and constantly staying in the best physical condition. He has also mastered the mental side of wrestling, and that can be seen in his state championship match in his junior year. Wilson and his opponent went all the way to overtime, and he was able to earn the win after a mentally and physically exhausting match.
Wilson also wanted to share his thoughts on his recent commitment. He first talked about the reason why he chose to pursue wrestling at the collegiate level.
He said, “I wanted to continue to compete at a high level and get to be the best wrestler I can be. I also wanted to be able to do all this while getting a good education.”
Next, Wilson discussed his university and why he chose it.
“I really like the coaches at Little Rock, as well as the campus and facilities. My grandparents also live about two hours away, which made the decision very easy for me,” he said.
Lastly, Wilson said that he is very excited to be able to continue his wrestling career in college.
He said, “I’m really excited to be able to specialize in the sport that I love and get to be the best possible wrestler that I can be.”
The other Pratt High athlete that recently announced their commitment was Kollyn Strong. Strong recently committed to the University of Nebraska at Kearney for track and field. Strong has been on several college’s radars since middle school when he shattered the middle school shotput record with a throw of 49’ 2”.
Since then, Strong has been one of the top throwers in Pratt High history. He currently has a shotput PR of 54’ 6”, and he is looking to break the PHS record of 55’ in his senior year.
Strong has demonstrated his passion for throwing since his middle school years, and he has continued to strive to be the best throughout his three and a half years of high school. He can
often be seen putting in work outside of practice, which is why he remains one of the top competitors every year.
Strong has earned many awards in his time at Pratt High in track and field. He is a four-time letterman, qualified for state as a sophomore, was CKL runner-up in shotput, a regional champion in shotput, and got state runner-up in shotput as a junior. Additionally, he is a three-sport athlete, competing in football and basketball as well.
He also wanted to discuss his recent signing to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Strong was first asked why he chose to pursue track and field in college.
He said, “What made me want to pursue track in college is just my love for the sport and wanting to become the best thrower I can be.”
Next, he talked about why he chose the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“I chose them because they have a very high caliber athletic facilities, great academics, and Coach Dane Tobey understands the art of throwing very well and can help me achieve my personal goals,” Strong said.
Like Wilson, Strong expressed great excitement for his athletic future.
He said, “The thing I’m most excited about is being able to bond with a new group of people and team while also seeing my personal growth. I am also excited to help my teammates grow.”
