Maryville University Athletics

2018-19: Kolby brings his best to the Dojo every day. His work power is evident each day in his practices and strength and conditioning work. One of his highlights this year was a 6th place finish at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open. At the Jim Koch Open, Kolby pinned three straight opponents. Kolby is one of the strongest pound for pound wrestlers on the team. His continued work in the weight room has given Kolby the confidence that he can compete at 133 lbs. Kolby won the Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award for his finish at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open. He wins his second Varsity Letter Award and the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award. Kolby continues to motivate his teammates with persistence and determination.

2017-18: Kolby demonstrated his Work Power and Commitment from his first day in the Dojo. He puts all he has into everything he does. He competed in six open tournaments this year placing 5th at the Pat “Flash” Flanagan Open while recording 3 wins in the tournament. Kolby pinned LaMantia from Loras College in 4:20 and Hiles, also from Loras College in 1:41. In early January Kolby stepped in to the Saints dual line-up and went 4-3 at 125 pounds. Kolby earns his first Varsity Letter Award. Kolby is dedicated to becoming the best wrestler that he can be and focuses on doing things the right way. He earns the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award & GRIT Award. Kolby was recognizedas the Wrestler of the Week two times during the season.
 
2016-17: Kolby is another one that is a part of the Family Tradition recruiting class as Kolby’s father Jessie wrestled for Coach Denney and was an All-American. Kolby’s younger brother, Kade, also wrestles for the Saints. Kolby wrestled unattached at the Indianapolis Greyhound Open, where he went 2-3 and placed 8th at 125 lbs. weight class. Kolby was named Maryville Wrestler of the Week once. He had an outstanding High School career at Pocatello High School, where he went 180-39. Kolby is projected to compete in the 125 weight class for Maryville during the 2017-18 season. Kolby is the son of Jessie and Kim Smith. Kolby wrestled at Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho. Kolby transferred from Briar Cliff University. Kolby’s father, Jessie Smith, also wrestled for Coach Denney. Jessie was a 2 X All-American and led the UNO team to a 1991 National Championship.

HONORS & AWARDS
Career Record: 17-29
2019 WOW & OOOSSS Award (1)
2019 Varsity Letter Award (2x)
2019 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award
2018 Varsity Letter Award
2018 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award
2018 GRIT Award
2018 Wrestler of the Week (2x)
2017 Wrestler of the Week

HIGH SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
High School State Runner-Up
2 X High School State Qualifier
High School Career Record 180-39
High School Senior Year Record 60-12
4 X Tiger Grizz Tournament Placer
3 X Red Halverson Tournament Placer

PRIOR TO MARYVILLE
5^th Place Finish at Buena Vista Open Tournament
8^th Place Finish at Greyhound Open

ABOUT KOLBY
Nickname: Kolbster or Jack Cheese
Parents: Jesse and Kim Smith
Siblings: Kessie, Kaitlyn, Kyllie, Kade
HS coach’s name(s): Todd Praska
Greatest moment in wrestling: Taking second in State my Senior year
People who have had the greatest influence in your life: My Dad, Coach D, Dan Gable and Cale Sanderson
Favorite athlete: John Smith, Jessie Smith
Favorite entertainer: Tim McGraw 
Favorite food: Chicken and Rice
Favorite book: USA Wrestling magazine
Favorite wrestling move: Getting hand raised
Favorite quote: “No one lives here forever! This Land belongs to the Lord! So make the most of the time spent here! You have no liability, but just responsibility, for those who are and will follow their journey on this Planet.” – Sushil Kumar
Craziest ambition: To touch as many lives as I can
If I could meet one person: Pat Smith and John Smith
I came to Maryville because: Wrestling team, Coach Denney, and I kind of love Kade (my brother)
Best sports advice ever received: Don’t wrestle like you have something to prove, instead wrestle for the heart and the love and passion deep inside you.
Something people don’t know about me: I inspire to be like my Dad in so many ways, he is my hero
10 years from now: I hope to be a personal trainer, have a beautiful home and wife, and give back to the sport of wrestling