Kurtis Smith is motivated to add to his legacy even as he strives to keep another’s legacy intact.
After enduring serious injuries in his first three seasons, the Lakes senior is 100% healthy for the first time in several years. Smith, ranked No. 6 at 170 pounds in Class 2A by Illinois Matmen, is driven to finish his career on the medal stand at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Feb. 22.
“I want to get on that (state) podium,” Smith said. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted. I’ve never made it to state. I just have to keep working hard. It’s a matter of wanting it more. I’ve been wrestling since I was 4 years old. I have a lot of skills in my arsenal, so it’s a matter of who wants it more.”
Trying to become the fourth wrestler in program history to earn a state medal, Smith also wants to honor Camden Frisby, a former Lakes teammate who died Nov. 23, 2016.
“Camden’s death broke everyone’s heart,” Smith said. “I knew Camden really well. I didn’t think I could continue with wrestling. It was a difficult time. It was hard to overcome. But I realized wrestling was something that made me happy.
“Still to this day, we pay tribute (to Camden) all over the place, with our spirit wear. Every time I step onto the mat, I’m thinking about it and thinking about what he could’ve accomplished.”
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Smith (30-6) is focused on living up to the potential he showed early in his career. Smith was a rising star after being named to the Northern Lake County Conference third team at 126 pounds.
Already this season, Smith pinned top-seeded Jack Hominac of Conant in the 170-pound championship match at the Randy Conrad Invite on Jan. 11. He also won the 170-pound title at the Lake County Invitational on Jan. 25.
“It feels good to have a full season under my belt,” he said. “I have more confidence with my body, able to perform a lot better. I’ve had injuries since seventh grade.”
Smith, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, credits his work on the soccer field for part of his success. He admits that soccer and wrestling make for an odd combination, but it allowed him to get into top shape.
Lakes coach Jack Troesch said Smith is on a mission.
“Because of his injuries, no one has been able to really see his potential,” he said. “He’s got a lot of experience and a lot of natural intuition that carries over to wrestling. He has to stay in a positive mindset, come in and treat every match like it’s nothing special and knock them out one by one.
“We knew he had the potential to be a three-time state qualifier. This is the first year to really see his talent. His determination and maturity has really pushed him this year.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.