Senior Athlete Farewell: The Last Inning for Wheeler Smith
Rondo Thompson, Associate Writer
Photo via Wheeler Smith’s Twitter
North Greenville University senior and catcher for the Crusaders Wheeler Smith is a native of Laurens, S.C. where he attended Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS). He was a four year varsity letterman for the Laurens Raiders and a standout catcher and hitter for the team. Smith played under head coach Dale Nelson at LDHS. His batting average and ability to get around bases quickly earned him the nickname “Wheels.”
At NGU, Smith stepped right in as a freshman and eventually became the starting catcher. This season, which was set to be Smith’s final season as a Crusader, he suffered a lower back injury that caused him to be sidelined the remainder of the 2016 season.
Smith has been granted a medical redshirt and will return for the 2017 season for the Crusaders.
“My injury has been stressful and depressing,” Smith said. “I have worked my butt off all year to get ready for the season, harder than I’ve ever worked. It’s tough to sit here and watch the guys I came in with finish up and I can’t.”
Although things didn’t go his way, Smith isn’t letting his injury keep him down.
“God has given me an opportunity to get healthier and work harder,” Smith said.
Smith said his feelings for next season are both “anxious and excited.”
Some of Smith’s goals for next season is to have a batting average of 400 and to get drafted into the MLB.
Smith said of his team, “I want to win it all, of course.”
As he plans for life after he leaves NGU, Smith would love the chance to play in the League. If not, he will continue his education and get his HVAC degree, which will give him the opportunity to own his own heating and air company.
