Bartlesville High School linebacker Wyatt Mathis brings a physical edge to the Bruins’ defense, but he says what really sets the team apart is how close the players are on and off the field. “We’re all very close with one another and do stuff together outside of football. We have a really strong team bond.”
Mathis lines up at linebacker, a spot he has grown to love because it keeps him in the middle of the action every snap. “I play linebacker. I like it because I get to hit people every play, I’m always involved in something.” He prides himself on his motor and effort, seeing his endurance as one of the strengths of his game. “I think my strength is that I really don’t get tired or take plays off I go every play with all I have. I’m trying to improve on eye discipline to stay on the triangle.”
The Bruins have pushed through demanding summer workouts as they build toward the upcoming season, and Mathis believes the grind is paying off. “Summer workouts have been great they’re the hardest workouts I’ve done but it’s making the team better, so we need it. During spring ball, we played really great it was clean we had some problems after the play last year that we have cleaned up.” Away from the gridiron, Mathis stays competitive in another sport. “I also play baseball.”
Within the Bartlesville locker room, Mathis points to teammate Michael Kent as a player whose attitude sets a standard for everyone else. “On our team now, Michael Kent leaves an impression on you because no matter the score he’s always just trying to win the next play and is always doing his best to win.” Mathis also has a long-term plan beyond high school athletics. “If I don’t go play college sports I plan to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
One of the biggest areas of growth for Mathis has come in the film room, where he has learned how much studying tendencies can shape performance under the lights on Friday nights. “One of the biggest things I learned last year was film study. Last year I started studying hours worth of film and I think it majorly helped my game and I would like to carry it into this year.” Through it all, he stays grounded by the influence of his father. “My Dad is my biggest inspiration he has always been there even since when I was little to push me to work hard and become a better athlete.”
