Broken Bow’s Kade Pratt
Kade Pratt has learned that football demands far more than strength and speed. For the Broken Bow senior, the game has become a teacher of discipline, patience and emotional control — lessons that continue shaping who he is both on and off the field.
As he enters his senior year, Pratt competes in both football and track, carrying with him memories of one of the most meaningful moments of his athletic career: helping Broken Bow reach the semifinals during his junior season.
That playoff run remains one of the proudest accomplishments of his life, not just because of the wins, but because of everything it required from the team.
“Football has taught me to be disciplined and that nothing comes free,” Pratt said.
That mindset has influenced the way Pratt approaches challenges beyond sports. He understands success is earned through consistency, preparation and daily effort, even when progress feels slow.
Pratt credits much of his personal growth to mentors who helped him develop both as an athlete and as a young man. One of the earliest was Mr. Beck, his fourth-grade math teacher and later his middle school basketball coach.
Pratt said Beck taught him lessons that still guide him today, especially when it comes to decision-making under pressure.
“He taught me how to control my emotions and use my brain, not emotion,” Pratt said.
He also learned valuable lessons from former teammate Beau Ritchie, a senior linebacker Pratt played alongside during his sophomore year. Ritchie helped him better understand the mental side of football, especially reading offenses and learning how to approach the game the right way.
Pratt also values the deep roots his family has in Broken Bow. He said one of his favorite things about his hometown is hearing stories about his family’s history there. When he wants to relax, his favorite place is Broken Bow Lake, a place that feels like home.
The best advice Pratt has received is simple but powerful: never make a permanent decision based on temporary emotions.
Above all, Pratt is grateful for his mother’s unwavering support.
He said her sacrifices — from paying for camps to making sure he always had what he needed — have helped make his journey possible.
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