Kyler Allen is a typical farm kid. He drives a pickup truck, helps with chores, prefers football to other sports and finds time to earn pocket money waiting tables at Opies.
Those things alone predict hell make a good Marine, something hes aspired to for years.
Five weeks after graduating from Humboldt High School on May 11, Kyler will report for Marine boot camp in San Diego.
How service to the country relates has some roots in his football career.
As a sophomore he was tagged to play quarterback and as a junior stepped into that key position when Hesston Murrow was sidelined with an injury. Kyler, naturally, anticipated he would fill the slot his senior year.
Coach Logan Wyrick had another idea, one that played well for the Cubs as they won 11 of 12, their best showing ever. Dagen Goodner was moved from fullback to quarterback and Kyler found himself on the field as defensive back and wide receiver.
Some kids would have interpreted the move as a demotion and pouted.
I wanted to play wherever Coach wanted, do anything to help the team, Kyler said.
That accommodating attitude will be expected in the Marine Corps, where Kyler will be enrolled as an infantryman.
Kyler is one of about 30 potential recruits the only one from Kansas who have journeyed to the Claremore, Okla., Marine recruiting station the second Saturday of each month since last June.
There, they are tested on their physical endurance including mile-and-a-half runs, crunches and push-ups. Hes even tossed a few grenades, but has yet to shoulder an assault rifle. He also works out at home. All that will give them bit of a head start in boot camp.
Kylers dedication to sports he also played basketball and baseball likely will put him a step ahead of other newbies. He has found that at Claremore. The kids who dont do sports are behind the others. Im one of the more athletic kids in the pool.
A decision Kyler has yet to make is whether to sign on for a four- or six-year hitch, which he thinks may occur on his next trip to Claremore, a week from today.
A career in the Marine Corps may be in the offing. Looking ahead, Kyler understands that after a 20-year commitment he still would be a young man and have ample time for a second career.
Another Humboldt lad, Josh Vanatta, went straight from the classroom to the Marine Corps a year ago and has had a role in fortifying Kylers interest in that branch of the service.
He introduced me to my recruiter, who has been helpful in directing Kylers path.
