West Greene’s Whyte commits to Kent State
By Jonathan Guth
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
WhileWest Greene competes in the PIAA’s smallest classification in most sports, Pioneers senior Colin Whyte is a big-time wrestler after coming into his own last season when he placed fourth in the state in Class 2A in the 285-pound weight class.
Whyte, who is a time-two state qualifier with a career record of 116-30, had aspirations from an early age to not only compete at the collegiate level, but at the Division I level.
Whyte’s dreams became a reality last month when he announced on Instagram his commitment to Kent State University.
“It was a great feeling to commit, and to know that I will be wrestling at the Division I level in college,” Whyte said. “I had a good amount of other colleges that I was talking to, and I took some other visits, but I really liked the coaching staff, campus, team and atmosphere at Kent State.”
Kent State’s campus is roughly a 2½-hour drive from Greene County, and although it would never compare to Rogersville in size, the school sits in a suburban area that provides opportunity to head to the city, but also enough relaxation on campus.
“One of the aspects that went into selecting Kent State was the opportunity to go home on the weekends and holidays if I needed to, but I could also explore a different area and get out of my comfort zone,” Whyte said. “Another aspect that went into my decision was the campus is in a rural setting. I believe that fits me better than a big city.”
Whyte’s comfort area is wrestling, and he doesn’t plan on staying away from the sport he loves. He also understands the importance of earning a degree.
“I believe I will obtain my degree in finance,” Whyte said. “As much as I love wrestling, I know that education comes first because you can’t be an athlete forever, and I have to focus on my work career after I have finished competing.”
Whyte had success as a freshman and sophomore, but his coming-out party came last year, which started with a seventh-place finish at the nationally ranked Powerade tournament.
“I wrestled 215 as a freshman and sophomore, but moved up to heavyweight my junior year,” Whyte said. “It was a big confidence booster to be able to place at Powerade, and I hope I can place even higher this season.”
Whyte feels like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders knowing that the recruiting process is over and he can focus on wrestling.
“It’s awesome to have made the decision prior to my senior season because I can now focus on winning a state championship, which would be a first for West Greene in wrestling,” Whyte said.
Whyte’s father, Gary, who is also his coach, placed second in the state for the Pioneers in 1994.
Whyte also plays football, which he enjoys because it serves as a change of pace, and while he wants to win, he doesn’t feel as much pressure.
“I can just go out there and have some fun with football,” Whyte said. “I also enjoy being able to tackle people, and that translates from one sport to the other.”