Athlete Spotlight: Watonga Lineman Aspires To Play College Ball

WATONGA – Former Geary student Kale Smith moved to Watonga in August, leaving behind all his friends and teammates. However, the struggles of being the new kid didn’t deter Smith from what he loved to do – playing sports. He jumped into summer baseball with Watonga, playing catcher and left field, where he met some close friends he would keep throughout the upcoming football season.

Smith’s passion lies in football, which taught him to be accountable for himself and how to be responsible. He grew up watching football, as he saw his older cousins from Geary thrive in the sport. Smith said one of the hardest things about moving was meeting new people, but football led him to meet some of his best friends. “We’re not just a team, we’re a family,” Smith said.

Smith looked forward to moving to Watonga, due to their past success in football seasons, and he quickly responded to the coaching staff at Watonga. Two of the most influential coaches he had were Coach Tyler Roberts and Coach Andrew Park. “Roberts, he was just always there to tell you what you’re doing wrong and he wasn’t just like in your face. Then Park, he was just your hype man,” he explained about the two coaches.

Another one of his biggest inspirations in his life is Smith’s dad, Andy. Smith said he always aspired to be better than his dad, and he pushed him with encouragement. His mom, Molly, also played an influential role in his life, always encouraging him to keep going when things got hard in sports and in life.

The Watonga community has been one of the best parts about moving for Kale. Even through losses, Smith felt that the community was on his side, and really felt as though people here were rooting for him.

When asked about his personal season, Smith said he felt good about his performance this year. “I felt like I was able to be where I needed to be with the coaches I needed to have.” He got much stronger this year in his football season. As an upcoming senior next year, he wants to make the playoffs and receive some offers for playing in college.

College football is a huge aspiration for Smith. One of his closest friends, Alyssa Bay, has helped tremendously in helping him get out of his shell and get involved in the recruiting process. He would like to play at Southwestern University, where one of his cousins has previously played. It is currently his biggest goal in his life. Sports Medicine is something Smith would consider studying in college. He would like to stay involved in sports as he gets older.

Wrestling is Smith’s upcoming season, which has so far been a little bit rough for him. He’s struggled with an injury to the ankle, which has put him in a walking boot for a short amount of time. Coach Grant Williams has quickly become one of his favorite coaches, and Smith and he “loves the man to death.”

When asked about the future baseball season, Smith only wishes to “go yard,” or hit one over the fence, and improve in batting. He connected strongly with Coach John Cope over the summer, bonding over talking about farming.

Other hobbies of Smith’s include hunting and being involved in FFA. Deer season is his favorite. When he was young he and his dad would go hunting often. Now, he enjoys going with friends or even by himself. “I like to just experience the outdoors. … I like to let it soak in,” Smith explained about the therapeutic aspects hunting has on him. He loves the adrenaline from it.

FFA is also a big part of his life. “I’ve done it my whole life,” Smith said. He grew up around it, and now enjoys showing pigs. His mom continued showing after having Kale, and it has since continued to be one of his favorite things to do.

Kale Smith, 16

Grade: Junior

Family: Parents Molly and Andy, siblings Kaylee and Kane

Activities: Football, wrestling, baseball, FFA

Hobbies: Hunting, showing, snuggling with his dog Ruby