Brett Willis soon will trade in his blue and gold for black and gold.
The Iola High senior signed a letter of intent Wednesday to compete in track and field collegiately at Emporia State University next year.
The ceremony was held in front of dozens of classmates in a packed IHS commons area.
But first things first. Willis, for now, has his sights set on a successful year and a potential trip to state in May.
Despite being one of the top sprinters and jumpers in Kansas, Willis has seen potential state bids evaporate the past two years. The 2020 track season ended before it started because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an injury right before the Class 4A regionals derailed his 2021 campaign without as much as an attempt to qualify for state.
“I’m ready to get after it,” he said.
Willis will be seeking to repeat as Pioneer League champion in the 100-meter dash. He also placed second in the 200 meters and third in both the long jump and triple jump.
“I know I’ll do the long jump and 100 and 200, for sure,” Willis said. “I’m not sure about my fourth event yet.”
Selecting Emporia State was an easy call after a recent campus visit, he said.
“I wasn’t thinking about (Emporia State) originally, but they invited me on a visit,” Willis said. “Right after the visit, I was sure. It just felt like home.”
Willis, who sports a grade-point average in the 3.1-3.2 range and is a regular on the IHS honor roll listings, plans to study financial services in college.
“I knew all along I wanted to do something in business,” he said. “Then, I started looking into finances, and said ‘OK, this is for me.’”
Willis, the son of Dan and Angie Willis, also was a standout receiver and kick returner for the Mustang football team.
He earned second-team all-league honors as a senior. He had 18 receptions for 246 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns, on a 7.6 yards-per-carry average. 
“I enjoyed football,” he said. “I liked it, but track and field is really what’s for me.”
Iola head track coach Dana Daugharthy offered high praise for Willis and what he has meant to the Mustang program.
“I haven’t had an athlete as committed to track since I’ve started coaching,” Daugharthy said. “To see him go on and compete at Emporia State is exciting.
