Something most of us don’t realize is that those who are involved in sports and activities often don’t get to enjoy the normal high school events the same way everyone else does.

Case in point: Colton Suchil has never experienced a full Homecoming.

All four years, the all-star offensive lineman has been on the field with his teammates, fighting for victory. And as the Homecoming Court is walking the red carpet during halftime, he is in the locker room, getting his knees iced, or listening to his coaches get everyone fired up for the second half.

“Yeah, I never saw [Homecoming] as something crazy,” Colton said.

It never really mattered to him to run for Homecoming King. Besides, he and Gabriel Aparicio—Colton’s friend, nephew, and quarterback—had a pact since middle school not to run against each other for any court.

So Gabriel ran for Homecoming King, and Colton wanted Prom.

For Colton, Prom King is something he’s always wanted to do. It is a sign of recognition that would make his first Prom experience even better. A sign that he had left his mark on the school whose name he shares.

Being from Colton, Colton’s name always stands out as unique. It was given to him by his mother, Lisa, whose passion for the community is impossible to miss. Colton’s dad, Craig, wasn’t sure at first about the name, although he wasn’t about to stop Lisa once she had her mind set.

“He has carried the name well,” Craig said. He shared a story about the first time Colton ever asked him about his name. They were at a football game, and the 5-year-old Colton said, “Why are they calling out my name?” as the crowd chanted “Col-ton! Col-ton.” Craig explained the chanting to him, and Colton coolly replied, “OK.”

It seems like a typical kid response, but in many ways, Colton is still this way. He accepts life as it comes to him. He doesn’t take on more responsibility than what’s given to, or expected of, him. And he enjoys the expressions of others.

Anyone who knows Colton, knows what he stands for. He’s loyal, friendly, funny, and kind. He’s a tough football player, a strong basketball player, and he serves as an ASB representative to the community. He’s involved in so many things that sometimes he actually seems like an unofficial mascot.

But there are other things he stands for that may come as a surprise, especially for those who don’t know Colton. He is a firm believer in teamwork, in collaboration, and in listening to others.

“I feel like I’m very easy to talk with,” he shared. “Whenever there’s college fairs and we have to talk, I love those things. I love involving the people that aren’t heard as much. I know I have a pretty big platform, so I like hearing others’ opinions besides my own.”

He attributes this outgoing, responsive personality to the influence of his parents. “Everyday I try to make someone realize their opinion matters. Different thoughts are beautiful.”

For one night, though, this Saturday, he hopes the only prevailing opinion is that he should be crowned Prom King. He is “confident, not cocky” about his chances, but it wouldn’t be Colton if he didn’t have an interesting thought about winning.

“At the end of the day, Prom is for all of us to have fun. If I win, my night will be better; if I don’t win, my night will still be great.”

For once, he won’t be in the locker room when the results are announced.