Carlton P. Collins, or Collie, attended Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York, from 1908 to 1911. He was an active member of both the football and lacrosse teams, the latter of which won the PSAL championship in New York City. Collie graduated from St. Paul's School in Garden City in 1911 where he played on an undefeated football team and would have played lacrosse had there been an organized team.