It was almost by accident that Kyler Elliott discovered forensics. 

Elliott, a senior at Smith Center, made the foray into Speech and Drama shortly after tearing his ACL in football as a freshman. 

“I was sort of confused by it, because I wasn’t much of a theater guy,” Elliott said. “But when I tore my ACL, I saw on our announcements there was going to be a forensics meeting. I thought I would check it out because I didn’t know what I would be doing and it would keep me busy.”

Elliott was soon hooked.

He’s excelled in Speech and Drama throughout his career, already becoming a four-time state champion before his senior season. Elliott is a two-time state champion in Poetry and also has first-place medals in Humorous Solo and Duet Acting while adding three other top-six medals.

“I love going to all the competitions and meeting new people, especially at state,” said Elliott, the Capitol Federal® True Blue® Student of the Week 

“If I’m being honest, it’s probably the thing I’m most competitive in. I know especially with my success in it, there’s a target on my back. I love seeing people come after me, and that usually brings out the best in other people.”

Forensics helped Elliott fill the void while constantly battling injuries throughout his first two years of high school. After re-tearing the same ACL in football, he missed all of basketball and track season as a sophomore. 

As a junior last year, he finally made it through the football, basketball and track seasons without incident. 

“I wouldn’t be close to doing any sports if it wasn’t for my family and my friends,” Elliott said. “They were the ones that kept pushing me and telling me every day, ‘One of these days you’re going to get out there and you’re going to do amazing things.’

“It’s natural to get sad because you can’t do activities with your friends. I’m a pretty positive person so I was able to push through it. I tried to keep a happy face and enjoy what I could.

“I’m so thankful that I had good support there.”

Elliott's father, Travis, is Smith Center’s athletic director while his mother, Michelle, also teaches at the school and is the forensics sponsor. 

Elliott has participated in several other activities throughout his career. He's been a member of FCCLA, Student Council, the math relay team and the band while also acting in the school play each year. This year, he’s adding Scholars Bowl to the mix. 

“That’s what high school is all about, finding out who you are,” said Elliott, who is also a member of the Student Advisory Team for the Kansas State High School Activities Association.  “Joining clubs like FCCLA and Student Council, National Honor Society, it’s a bunch of stuff to help you dip your feet into the water and see what you like to do.”

This past football season brought another hurdle for Elliott to clear. He broke his hand in practice the week of what ended up being his last game in high school. He still managed to play while being padded up with a club.

Elliott had surgery on the broken hand in early November and just received clearance on Tuesday to start playing basketball. 

“Many kids would have stopped participating and may not have finished the football season with the broken hand,” Travis Elliott said. “For the most part, his attitude and work effort have been excellent throughout all his trials and tribulations.”

Elliott said he’s cherished playing football for the tradition-rich Redmen. 

“You envision it as a little kid – Friday night lights and playing in front of the home crowd,” Elliott said.

“Our community is super supportive,” he added. “They love seeing us out in the community and seeing us help. Recently, we raised around $40,000 for a new weight room. All of that was community funded.”

Elliott’s success in speech should have him well-equipped for his desired career path. He’s planning on attending the University of Kansas and studying sports media. 

“I want to be a commentator,” Elliott said. “When I enrolled in Sports Journalism class my sophomore year, it was really fun. I watch ESPN all the time, and it became something that I really want to do. It combines my love for sports with my interest and passion for journalism.

“I’ve commented on games for our volleyball and basketball teams. I really enjoyed it. It’s one of those things where you’re keeping others hooked onto the game while also being hooked on it yourself.”