Palmer Smith going in for the win against an opponent. Photo Cred: Deanne Smith
Watauga athletics dominates in all kinds of sports. From volleyball to football, teams walk away from each season with well-earned victories. While all athletes are hard-working and determined, the sport of wrestling requires these elements of success tenfold. Palmer Smith, senior, has continued to show his passion for the sport throughout his high school career as he continues to represent Watauga through his achievements and growth.
Watauga wrestling has a history of creating accomplished wrestlers. While winning tournaments and setting goals are important for the team as a whole, Smith focuses more on growing the program and leaving it better than he found it.
“I have been wrestling for four years. I started my freshman year with a little bit of experience after trying it for one year in middle school. I continue to do it mainly because, year after year, I set new goals to achieve which helps me stay motivated,” Smith said. “Also, my goal is to leave this Watauga program better than when I came into it.”
Some of the best athletes learn and take inspiration from those that have come before them. Smith has learned about setting the Watauga wrestling standard from former teammate, Daniel Russom.
“The best way I know how to grow the team is to work hard and be an example for the other wrestlers," Smith said. "This comes from Daniel Russom, who was an upperclassman when I started wrestling who pushed me to really work hard,"
Wrestling has opened up a multitude of opportunities for Smith to take on tournaments around the state and across the country. Here, he has experienced growth from watching some of the best players in the nation.
“Greensboro Coliseum for the state tournament and the Fargodome in North Dakota are two of the most significant. States in Greensboro and The Freestyle National tournament in Fargo are the two most memorable,” said Smith. “This is because it's the two highest level tournaments I have been to where I was around some of the best wrestlers in the state and country.”
On and off the mat, Smith is steadfast in achieving his goals. Year-round, he works hard to remain consistent in his work ethic by learning from his teammates and coaches.
“Part of what has helped me be successful in this sport is that I have always tried to continue to learn: learn from wins, from losses, my coaches, my teammates, and other wrestlers that I have gotten to meet. I also owe a lot of my success to my dad because he has always been willing to drive me to tournaments in the offseason and support me so I am very thankful for that,” said Smith. “We also have two of the best coaches in the state, who have never failed to help me achieve my goals. The biggest component to improving at wrestling is working in the off-season because mat time is the most important thing for wrestlers.”
In the future, Smith is determined to grow both mentally and physically in order to bring success to the team and program after attending college.
“My main goal is to come back to Boone after college and start a wrestling club as a feeder program for Watauga," said Smith. "That is my main reasoning for wanting to wrestle in college, so I can go learn as much as I can and bring it back and share that knowledge."
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