JEFF FIELDER Editor
SCOTTSBLUFF – Tyler Smith, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Smith is in his second year as a starting center on the Bearcats’ football team, and he also rotates in on defense as a defensive end. His performance last week helped Scottsbluff (1-3) earn its first win of the season, a 35-0 victory over Custer, South Dakota. Scottsbluff hosts Grand Island Northwest (3-1) this Friday. Smith, who’s a team captain on the football team, also wrestles. He’s also involved in the Bearcats Committed leadership group. He said he hopes to continue his football career in college, and he wants to pursue a career as an electrician. His parents are Brenda Anderson and Marc Smith. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Smith will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: Describe how the season has been going for the Scottsbluff football team.
SMITH: “It was kind of slow at first, but I think picking up our first win last week will help us get rolling. Going up against Grand Island Northwest this week will be tough, but if we have a good week of practice, I think we’ll be fine. We’ll start district play next week. I think we’ll have a good opportunity to pick up some more wins.”
Q: What were your expectations for the team going into the season?
SMITH: “I expected nothing less than another trip to Lincoln [for the Class B state title game]. I knew we would look a lot different this year compared to the past two years, but I thought we could still be a good team. I think we’re starting to become more of a team now – we’re playing more as a unit.”
Q: How exciting was it to earn the first win of the season last week?
SMITH: “It was really exciting. We were kind of struggling through the first three weeks, but now our hard work is starting to pay off.”
Q: What made the difference for Scottsbluff in last week’s win?
SMITH: “Our energy was pretty high. Also, something that Coach Hall talked to us about the week before was that we need to quit pointing fingers when things go wrong and that we need to come together as a team. We have to play as a unit. He said if we did that, good things would happen. I think we figured that out.”
Q: How do you feel about this week’s matchup against Grand Island Northwest?
SMITH: “I think it will be a good game. We’ll need to be the most physical team on the field, and we’ll need to do the little things right.”
Q: How much do you enjoy playing center?
SMITH: “I think it’s a little more complicated than some people think. You’ve got to get the ball back to the quarterback, and then you’ve got to get out and drive your opponent as far back as you can. It’s challenging, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Q: How has Scottsbluff’s offensive line been performing this year?
SMITH: “I think we’ve been looking pretty good. This is probably one of the bigger lines we’ve had. We’re not as experienced this year, but I think we have a lot of talented guys on the line, and we’re starting to get things figured out. We’re getting people moving in the right places, and we’re opening holes for the running backs.”
Q: What are the team’s goals for the rest of the season?
SMITH: “We would like to win the rest of our games, win the district championship to get into the playoffs, and then make it back to Lincoln.”
Q: How interested are you in trying to play football in college?
SMITH: “I would love to play football in college. I’ll play anywhere for anyone. I’d play any position, too.”
Q: What got you interested in becoming an electrician?
SMITH: “My brother [Shane Smith] has been doing construction stuff, so I thought it would be nice if we could maybe get a little business started. I think being an electrician would be a cool job. It’s a trade that won’t go away. It will always be around.” Editor’s note: Tyler also is interested in possibly studying exercise science in college, mostly because of his experience of working out at The Warehouse Fitness Center in Scottsbluff. He lauded the mentoring he’s received from Warehouse owner Isaac Holscher.
Q: How much are you looking forward to your final high school wrestling season?
SMITH: “I’m pretty excited about it. I’m hoping everything works out [due to COVID-19] since it’s an indoor sport and it’s a close contact sport.”
Q: How did your wrestling season go last year?
SMITH: “It went pretty good. My first three weeks were kind of rough just because I hadn’t been on the mat since eighth grade. But then I got the routine down again and everything went well after that. I wrestled at 220 last year.”
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming wrestling season?
SMITH: “I want to compete well in the district tournament and, hopefully, quality for state.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
SMITH: “I love working out and making sure I’m ready to go for whatever I have next to compete in. Also, I love hunting in the winter with my buddies.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
SMITH: “Mr. [Jake] McLain. He was my math teacher [last year], and I also had him as one of my coaches. He was easy to talk to. He’s just a good guy who has a good understanding of kids and is willing to help them.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
SMITH: “I kind of love it all. I’ll listen to some rap stuff before games, and I’ll listen to some country during my free time. I like a variety of music.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
SMITH: “Yellowstone.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
SMITH: “The Steel Grill. Their steak nachos are unmatched.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Scottsbluff High School?
SMITH: “Rodney Graves. He’s a senior. He doesn’t care who you are or what you do. He’ll be your friend.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska region?
SMITH: “The Monument. A lot of people from the east side of the state find it pretty shocking that it’s not flat out here.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
SMITH: “I wish high school students would put in more offseason work to prepare themselves better for whatever sport they’re competing in. You can tell which ones put in the time and which ones didn’t. It’s nice to recognize people who put in lots of hours and time to improve.”
Q: Do you work?
SMITH: “I worked at the Gering swimming pool two summers ago, and this summer I worked on a friend’s ranch.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
