by Keith Kelley–18 Dec ’14
With three sets of balloons behind an East High School portable wall, Cheyenne East quarterback and safety Tevis Bartlett made his announcement on where he would play football next season. Bartlett made official visits to Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado and Iowa, along with several unofficial visits to the University of Wyoming. But in the end, Bartlett chose the University of Washington and head coach Chris Petersen to continue his athletic and academic career, as East High School Athletic Director Jerry Schlabs pulled out the purple and gold balloons.
Bartlett was the most sought after division one football recruit in Cheyenne for some time, and he said it was a very difficult decision, and one that he weighed out with his family for some time. It wasn’t until two nights ago when the decision became final, and Bartlett chose to call Seattle home for the next four years. He says when he’s made his biggest strides in life is when he was out of his comfort zone, so he’s ready for this next chapter.
The University of Wyoming was in the mix throughout the process, with the most intriguing part of that recruitment for Bartlett being the opportunity to play quarterback and to remain close to home. But Bartlett said in the end, he had to make the best decision for himself.
Washington went 8-5 in head coach Chris Petersen’s first year, and will be playing in the Ticket City Cactus Bowl on January 2nd. Prior to that, Petersen made his name at Boise State. Bartlett will play linebacker for the Huskies and says he built a very good relationship with Petersen and the entire Washington staff.
Bartlett was the 2013 Wyoming Gatorade Player of the year, leading the Thunderbirds to the 4A state championship. This past season, Bartlett threw for nearly 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for almost 1,100 yards and 17 TD’s, as the T-birds reached the semifinals, losing to Gillette, 34-31 in overtime.
