Teamwork runs in Ganado Indian's blood

by Millie Diaz
Sports Writer
    Graduating senior Kameron Smith is known in Ganado for being the epitome of athleticism, and what makes him iconic is the manner in which he pushes himself, and the humility he personifies when he does well. This year he was presented with the Larry Conner Indian Pride award and the male Athlete of the Year at the Booster athletic banquet and was considered a shoo-in by his coaches and his peers for the top awards.
    “Do we even need to discuss who deserves this award?” said Athletic Director Jim Bird jokingly at the banquet, before announcing Smith’s name.
    Smith recently signed with Texas A&M University at Kingsville to become a decathlete, meaning he will execute ten running and field events for the university. Although he didn’t get a free ride from school to do so, he’s getting a partial scholarship, and will be studying kinesiology.
    "Getting accepted into Kingsville and getting to go to school, that was something that meant a lot to me," Smith said. "Getting that next step figured out."
    “This just speaks to his versatility as an athlete, he’s the kind of guy you can put on a football field and he will do a good job anywhere,” said Bird. “With track, it wasn’t a matter of winning with him, it was a matter of what he could do for his team, and how many points he could score for his school.”
    As amazing as his high school career has been, Smith didn't get through it without an obstacle or two. He tore his labrum (located in the shoulder) while playing football his sophomore year, and his shoulder continued to pop out when basketball season began.
    "I had to get surgery on it," he said. "It took from district play in basketball until the next football season for it to heal completely, and then I was ready to go. I had to get in shape for every other sport I did over the summer, and just put in a lot of extra hours and effort to get to that point."
    Smith’s inherent unselfish nature is easy to detect if you’ve ever met him, and it may have been reason he was voted Mr. GHS by his peers. Being the best is what pushes him, but not being better than anyone else.
    “I try to be the best I can be at everything,” Smith said. “I was blessed with a lot of talent, but hard work always got me through. Everything my coaches has put me through has paid off.”
    Basketball Coach John Armstrong said Smith is a super kid who always shows up ready to work with a good attitude. “When you combine that with his outstanding athleticism you have a special player. He’s also a positive influence on his teammates and well-liked by everyone. He’s going to be missed.”
    Bird said Smith's mother, Felipe Carrasco, and his family has done an amazing job of raising him, because he the type of person who shows up everyday and wants to know how to be better. He added it was never a 'me' thing with Smith, it was always a team thing.
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