VYPE: When did you take over as AD, and what was your professional background prior to this position?
Brad Cantrell: 2018 was the year that myself along with Ryan Christian and Art Smalygo took over Activities Responsibilities. Prior to this change, I was Head Girls Basketball Coach.
VYPE: What is new in the athletic department, and are there any plans for future developments?
BC: Alot of exciting developments are occurring within our department including improvements to the football, wrestling and weight room facility. Baseball and Softball field improvements, a new video board on our football field, a brand-new track surface along with a practice field are also major improvements that have happened within the year. We have also expanded our transportation fleet to include three activity buses.
VYPE: Why is community support essential to an athletic department?
BC: Collinsville is very blessed to have a community and administration that values all activities. Community support is vital to our success, and the support that they show is a blessing.
VYPE: What should parents of incoming freshmen know as their student-athletes prepare to compete at the varsity level?
BC: Parents of incoming freshmen should know that our coaching staff and activity sponsors are passionate about their craft. Winning is very important, but they also value the journey of each student as they embark upon their high school career.
VYPE: Which community partners and sponsors have supported your student-athletes this season?
BC: Collinsville is a 5A school in a 3A community. All of the businesses in Collinsville do a terrific job of supporting our schools through donations of a wide variety. It is hard to single them out, because they all do so much for our activities.
VYPE: Given the changing landscape of high school athletics, what is your perspective on the current state of prep sports in Oklahoma, and how can the experience be improved for students?
BC: Change is difficult, and the athletic landscape is very fluid. Transparency and communication always need to be at the forefront to continue to meet the needs of student-athletes.
VYPE: What is the biggest challenge you face as an athletic director in 2026?
BC: The biggest challenge at times is the breakdown in communication and the changing landscape of our rules and regulations. With over 480 schools in our association, it is difficult to meet the needs of each institution.
VYPE: How do you enjoy spending your free time away from school?
BC: Golf, golf, and more golf.
VYPE: What advice would you give to a first-time athletic director taking over a program?
BC: Building relationships and effective communication is the key to having a positive impact as an administrator in any capacity. These are traits that we practice in an attempt to get better each and every day.
VYPE: What is your message to the senior class of 2026, and what would you like returning students to know?
BC: Be great! In everything you do, give 100 percent. Show grace and be patient, but when it’s time to compete, GO BE GREAT!
