Checotah’s wrestling program has been a consistent successful force since the hiring of head coach Bret Oleson. Oleson has developed multiple athletes that have state championships and have competed at the state tournament and earned college scholarships.

This includes two-time, back to back state champion Colt Collett. Collett has been a permanent fixture in the program and is one of the highest ranked wrestlers in the nation.

“Colt Collett suffered his first defeat this season. It was heartbreaking for me as a coach and for him as an athlete. Its something that can motivate the both of us.

Colt is constantly improving his craft. He is one of the hardest workers in the room and elevates others. Colt is  always helping and teaching teammates to help them improve. Three nights a week he assists his dad in running the youth program and is more involved. On the rare nights he doesn’t have youth, he is usually practicing in another wrestling room. Colt is trying to be the best he can be and is starting to think about the next level. Colt has big goals to finish the year as a state champion, to be a national champion in the collegiate level, and compete on the world level/Olympics.

After his wrestling career is over, I would love for him to get into coaching/teaching because he is so natural at it. I would also like to see him get into fighting because of his mental and physical toughness,” Checotah head coach Bret Oleson said.

Collett continues to represent Checotah Public Schools with class and honor.

“I try my hardest to be a good leader on and off the mat. I show my teammates moves in the wrestling room kinda like an assistant coach would. If we’re not on the mat we’re in the weight room pushing each other to our lim-its. The injury sucked but there was only three months out on the recovery. But I came back hungry for competition. Olson and I have a good relationship with each other. He pushes me toward my goal of receiving two more state titles,” Collett said.

Collett’s resume doesn’t end in Checotah. The junior wrestles on a national level. He has trained with Olympic medalists, Olympic coaches and NCAA champions. He also helps coach Checotah Youth Wrestling where champions are built.

Colt is the son of Tonya and Paul Collett.