The Falcon Flyer

Photo by Kim Nutting

Since first grade, freshman Nicholas Smith has wrestled his way to the top. Having placed first, undefeated, for both of his years at Cedar Heights Middle School, he is no newcomer when it comes to being in first. Smith also has eight Washington State championships under his belt, topping it all off with two top-10 placements at Nationals (one in Greco-Roman style, another in freestyle), and his success does not appear to be slowing.

It all began in 2003 when Smith was inspired to pick up the sport by his father.

His father had won the State Championship three times during his high school tenure, along with making finals once more. His father also earned a wrestling scholarship to Boise State University.

The connection does not stop there, however, as Smith also practices with his father in their off time.

“He’s my coach,” said Smith. “[But] when I get home, he’s my dad.”

Smith wrestles in all three major styles: Greco-Roman, folk-style, and freestyle. In Greco-Roman, contact with the legs must be avoided, whereas legs are allowed in both folk-style and freestyle.

Smith said “I like folk-style… It’s the school wrestling, and I’ve done it the longest.”

Smith’s victories have come on the lighter end of the weight class scale. “I won [Greco-Roman] and freestyle last year at 84 [pounds]… and this year, I’ll wrestle 91 [pounds].”

However, this does not mean opponents are less difficult, according to Smith. “For the most part, it doesn’t matter what weight you are,” said Smith. “It’s not going to be easier or harder one way or the other.”

Fellow wrestler Evan Anderson, a junior, described Smith. “He’s small, but he gives it his best,” said Anderson. “He got second at the last tournament, so he’s doing something right.”

Despite his promising record, Smith occasionally faces defeat. However, he does not let it bring him down. “You just pick yourself up,” said Smith. “I want to keep going.”

Contrary to popular belief, wrestling does not involve chair smashes and other furniture-desecrating actions. This common misconception of confusing World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) with wrestling for sport bothers Smith.

“WWE is obviously fake. What’s going on isn’t [real]. Wrestling is a competitive sport, like football,” said Smith. “You lose two matches, you’re going home.”
Currently, the wrestling team is 5-0 , and confidence is high. Reassured by his undefeated record, Smith said, “It’ll get harder, [but] I haven’t had too many tough kids yet.”

“I think we’ve got a chance. We’ve been pretty high in our meets, and I think we’re going to beat Kentwood this year,” said Smith. “I think we’re going to beat everybody.”