The Kansas City Star
July 14, 1994
Edition: METROPOLITAN
Section: ZONE/WYANDOTTE COUNTY
Page: 6

Metro Dream Classic
Delayed invitation not too late for Washington all-star Ricky Collins to play in Metro Dream Classic
Author: DAVID BOYCE; Staff Writer

Ricky Collins didn't have to think about strapping on a football helmet and pads and practice in the hot July sun 30 minutes away in Olathe.

Collins, a 1994 graduate of Washington High School, pounced on the opportunity to play for the Kansas squad in the third annual Metro Dream Classic all-star football game. The game is at 7:30 tonight at the Blue Valley District Activities Complex at 135th and Switzer.

When practice began last Tuesday at MidAmerica Nazarene, Collins was at home because he wasn't selected. But Wednesday morning his high school coach, Eddie Minor, went to Collins' house and asked him whether he wanted to play in the game.

Wednesday afternoon, Collins was in pads and ready to practice.

"It's a big honor to play in this game," said Collins, a running back.

More than just playing the game, Collins is benefiting from the week of practice that lasts at least 2 hours each time.

And the practices are more than just a group of departing high school seniors going through the motions, preparing for an all-star game.

"The practices have been pretty intense," Collins said. "Playing with all of these good players helps a lot. " Collins wants to get in the best possible football shape over the next few weeks. He reports to Coffeyville Community College on Aug. 8 on a football scholarship.

"Basically, I want to start at Coffeyville," he said.

Also for Collins, playing in the Metro Dream Classic gives him a chance to play with future teammates. Ten members on the Kansas all-star squad will play at Coffeyville, including Schlagle's Jonathon Wells, Vincent Jarrett and Harvey Shaw.

Collins said he has been playing with and against the players from Schlagle since middle school and gets along with them.

"Wyandotte County players stick together," Collins said.

Collins also likes meeting many of the players from Johnson County that he has played against the last couple of years.

"It's pretty cool," Collins said. "You get to meet players who you were basically enemies with. "You talk about the hits you put on them and the hits they gave you. " Besides playing football at Washington, Collins also excelled in baseball. During his junior year at Washington, the Wildcats placed third in the Kansas Class 6A state baseball tournament.
Collins isn't playing baseball this summer but he hopes to walk on at Coffeyville.

"This summer I'm just getting ready for football," he said.

Copyright 1994, 1996 The Kansas City Star Co.