Team sports provide opportunities for individuals to come together, build relationships, and grow as a cohesive unit. For Kaden Rush, a senior at Collinsville, the results paid off last year as Collinsville football went undefeated and won the Class 5A championship. For Rush, the most important part of being on a team is the level of accountability players hold for one another.

“I like working hard and to the best of my ability and knowing the guy next to me is doing the same,” Rush said. “I feel like that bonds a team together and gets us ready to compete at the next level.”

Although it’s hard to top winning a state championship, Rush also has fond memories from his time on the baseball diamond, where he pitches and plays first and third base. Rush said that he has had so many special moments in his time in Collinsville, but two in particular stand out. First, securing the state championship in football and -a close second- was celebrating in a dog pile with his teammates when Collinsville baseball won their regional to advance to the state playoffs.

Next year Rush hopes to earn an athletic scholarship and continue playing sports at the collegiate level, but knows that his education comes first. When looking for inspiration Rush turns to his faith and family.

“God and family are the biggest influences in my life,” Rush said. “My relationship with God has always been a constant that guides and reminds me every day that in all things the glory goes to Him.”