ATHLETE OF THE WEEK — Christopher Smith

West Ashley High School senior wrestler Christopher Smith recently pinned down his latest high school achievement. “Chris was victorious in our most recent match against Wando High School, helping take us into the playoffs for the second consecutive season,” says WAHS head wrestling coach William Wineberg. Smith won his match by pinning his opponent.
This is Smith’s fourth season on the WAHS Wrestling Team. Although he also plays football for WAHS, he noted that wrestling is his favorite sport because it allows for more individual competition and achievement. “[Wrestling] is just a one-on-one match up — me against the other guy,” he says.
Wrestling is more than just a sport for Smith. He started wrestling for a specific reason. “Elementary school was rough. I wanted to prove a point, to prove that I wasn’t as weak as I looked to the guys who picked on me.”
With nearly 90 accumulated matches to date, Smith is proud to have won many more matches than he’s lost during that stretch. He also recently placed third in the West Ashley County Tournament, which is very impressive considering there were more than 14 teams present. When facing a tough opponent Smith relies on skills instead of strength to help him win. “I use my technique against those that are stronger,” says Smith.
“Be better today than I was yesterday; be better tomorrow than I was today,” is the motto by which Smith strives to live by. Smith will often find the toughest guy on the mat in order to challenge himself, especially at practice. “Chris demonstrates true dedication. He has always worked extremely hard, and never misses an opportunity to get better,” says Wineberg.
Smith’s determination helps him not only to be a successful athlete, but also to be proficient in the classroom. He’s part of the WAHS National Honor Society. His hobbies outside of school and sports include playing Airsoft and collecting jackets and hats.
After he graduates high school, Smith plans to attend the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where he will major in engineering and minor in business. He hopes to continue his wrestling career by walking on to VMI’s wrestling team.  After he gets his four-year degree Smith wants to join the Marines.