Missouri Southern State University Athletics

2022 - Willhite appeared in 11 games for the Lions getting the start in three as a tight end or fullback ... Finished with four receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown ... Caught a pass at Fort Hays State (Sep. 24), Central Missouri (Oct. 15), Missouri Western (Oct. 29) and against Washburn (Nov. 12) ... Recorded his first collegiate touchdown at FHSU in the Lions 25-24 win.

Prior to Southern - Willhite prepped at Lamar High School for coaches Scott Bailey and Jared Beshore ... A four year letter winner on the football field while also earning four letters in track and field and three letters on the baseball field ... Helped the Tigers to a Class 2 State Championship and a runners-up finish on the football field while being an All-Conference selection for three years ... A SWMFCA Class 2 second team linebacker as a sophomore, a SWMFCA Class 2 first team tight end and defensive end as a junior and senior ... As a senior finished the season with 44 rushes for 586 yards and seven touchdowns while adding six receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns on offense and 61 tackles, five sacks, 14 TFL's, three pass break ups and a blocked kick ...  On the track and field team was an All-Conference performer in the javelin, discus, 300 meter hurdles, 4x400 meter relay and 4x800 meter relay and finished fifth in the discus and sixth in the javelin throw as a senior at the State Meet ... Played with fellow 2022 student-athlete Mason Gastel.

Personal - Trace is the son of Holly and Travis Willhite and plans to major in health promotions and wellness at Southern.