Ty McNeal is a junior at Collinsville and plays right guard for the Cardinals. Last year Collinsville won the class 5A state championship in football and McNeal is looking forward to having another great season in 2022. On the gridiron McNeal strives to be a good teammate and always gives it his all whether it is in real game situations or during practice.

In the classroom he also gives full effort and is thankful for the encouraging teachers that he’s had in Collinsville.

“I have been blessed to have many great teachers at Collinsville who have helped me grow and challenged me in different ways,” McNeal said.

The coaches at Collinsville constantly push McNeal and others to be the best they can be on and off the field.

“No one on our team is under-appreciated because we all have a role to play,” McNeal said. “Coach Jones often says that iron sharpens iron and we are constantly striving toward being the best team we can be.”

McNeal is very appreciative of the coaching staff for the Cardinals and knows that they can get the most out of their players, which they proved last year, when they won the gold ball. While winning the state championship holds a special place in McNeal’s heart and is a moment he will cherish forever he also will remember one game in particular that occurred in the playoffs. Collinsville advanced to the state championship with a semifinal victory over Carl Albert 27-20. 

“Beating Carl Albert in the playoffs stands out as a huge victory for Collinsville,” McNeal said.

Outside of the classroom and athletics McNeal turns to his family, faith, and friends for support.

“My parents are my biggest influences because they always encourage me to work hard and give my best,” McNeal said. “My Christian faith is another big influence in my life.”

McNeal excels off the field and demonstrates his high character in the Collinsville community.

“I am involved in the National Honor Society and my church’s youth group,” McNeal said.