Culver City football player senior Alex Smith is headed to the University Wisconsin to play for the Badgers. He will be one of the few Centaurs to play for a Big Ten school. The Big Ten is one of the best conferences in the nation academically and athletically.
“It feels great,” said Smith last Thursday after a passing league game against Brentwood. “All of my hard work and efforts have finally paid off.”
Smith took his recruiting trip to Wisconsin a few weeks ago and fell in love with the school, coaches, players, facilities and the town. “I really enjoyed my visit and the school has my Business Real Estate major which is great. They are No. 2 in the nation in that field.”
Smith plays defensive back and receiver for Culver City but he is being recruited to play defensive back for the Badgers. He is the perfect size for a college defensive back at 6’1, 180 pounds. “Alex is a very explosive and talented athlete who has size and speed to compete at the college level,” said Culver City head coach Jahmal Wright last week. “Right now we are just happy he has one more year at Culver City.”
One of the main obstacles Smith will have to overcome is getting use to weather in Madison, Wisconsin. “Coming from California it’s going to be tough but after talking to some of the players they said after the first year I should be able to adjust to the change of weather,” said Smith.
Cold weather or not, Smith is looking forward to the challenge. “When I get to Wisconsin I will have to start all over,” said Smith. “I will have to work my way up from ground zero so I can get on the field and show everyone what I can do.”
Smith started playing tackle football in the fourth grade at the Baldwin Hills Pop Warner League which has produced several NFL players. “My parents and friends have supported me since my Pop Warner days and I really appreciate that,” said Smith.
If everything works out Smith will be playing in the Rose Bowl game on January 1, in Pasadena if the Badgers win the Big Ten title. Every year Wisconsin is one of the best teams in the Big Ten and the nation. Smith said it would be a dream come true to play in the Rose Bowl in front of his family and friends but this year he will settle for playing in the CIF championship game for Culver City in December.
Culver City will play its annual Alumni Football Game today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. on the high school campus. “Every year we try to make this game a fun and competitive experience for the players, coaches and fans,” said former Centaur All-CIF quarterback and current assistant coach Greg Goodyear. Goodyear, who played in the late 1960’s still holds some of the quarterback records at Culver City high school.