Maryville University Athletics

2018-19: Kade had a promising start to the 2018-2019 season when he placed 2nd at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open. The next weekend at the Lindenwood Open, Kade suffered a season ending injury. It was the second year in a row in St. Charles that Kade would suffer a significant injury. The 2019-2020 season could be the breakout year for Kade as he will once again be healthy and competing at a high level again. Kade finished the year with a 3-3 record. He won the Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award for his performance at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open. He earns his second Varsity Letter Award and the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award. He received the Staying Power Award for keeping a positive attitude and being a “Positive Force” on the team despite the hardships he has faced over the last two years.

2017-18: Kade is a valuable part of our Team and always brings his best to the Dojo. He has the Work Power and Commitment and gained valuable experience this season. He was slowed this season because of an ankle injury. He is a redshirt freshman who filled in at 141 pounds and went 3-3 in dual meets. Kade’s first dual victory was against Thevel from Central Missouri where he recorded a fall in 3:50. He then defeated Otis from Drury with a fall in 1:49 and wrapped up a great weekend of action with a technical fall 16-0 in 4:29 vs. Peglow of Truman State. Kade opened the season with a 3-2 record and a 4th place finish at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open. The next week at the Lindenwood Open he suffered an injury that would cost him some mat time during the season. When healthy, Kade has the talent to contend for a starting spot in the line-up in the 2017-18 season. Kade earned his first Varsity Letter Award. Coming back to start in 6 duals at the end of the season, he is receiving the Rebounding Power Award and the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award. He also receives the GRIT Award and was named the Wrestler of the Week two times during the season and the OOOSSS Award Winner once.

2016-17: Kade is another one of the Family Tradition Recruits. His father, Jessie, wrestled for Coach Denney and was an All-American. Wrestling unattached, Smith went 10-8 during the season with 8 pins and a major decision. His 8 pins tie him for second on the squad. Kade took 4th at the Kaufman/Brand Open (Amateur Division) at 133 pounds weight class going 4-2. He had two falls, a major decision and a decision. Kade moved up to 141 pounds at the Wisconsin Open and went 2-2, but did not place. Kade also wrestled at 141 pounds at Doane Open going 3-2, but did not place. He had 3 pins, with the fastest in 1:01. Kade finished the season wrestling in the Indianapolis Greyhound Open, winning one match and had to default out of the tournament because of an injury. Kade picked up his 8th pin of the season over Daniel Brookbank of Marian University (IN) in 3:39. He was Maryville Wrestler of the Week once. His older brother Kolby joined the program at semester. Smith seeks to earn a spot in the Maryville lineup at 141 pounds in 2017-18. Kade is a dedicated worker who will continue to develop into a force in the Maryville program.

HONORS & AWARDS
Career Record: 9-9
2019 WOW & OOOSSS Award (1)
2019 Varsity Letter Award (2x)
2019 Staying Power Award
2019 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award
2018 Varsity Letter Award
2018 Rebounding Power Award
2018 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award
2018 GRIT Award
2018 Wrestler of the Week (2x)
2018 OOOSSS Award (1x)
2017 Wrestler of the Week

ABOUT KADE
Nickname: The Holy Man
Parents: Jessie and Kim Smith
Siblings: Kessie, Kaitlyn, Kyllie, Kolby
HS coach’s name(s): Todd Praska
Greatest moment in wrestling: It’s the brief pauses in matches, when you look in your corner and see your brothers are all there for you.
People who have had the greatest influence in your life: Family and Teammates
Favorite athlete: Ricky Bobby
Favorite entertainer: Kevin Hart
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite book: Lone Survivor
Favorite wrestling move: Granby
Favorite quote: “But to beat me, he’s going to have to kill me. And to kill me, he’s going to have to have the heart to stand in front of me. And to do that, he’s got to be willing to die himself
Craziest ambition: Ride horses across the country
If I could meet one person: My great grandpa Smitty
I came to Maryville because: Coach Denney
Best sports advice ever received: Hard work beats talent.
Treasured possessions: Gotta have my trucker hats!
Something people don’t know about me: I have Woo
10 years from now: Be happy and successful.