Good suggestion leads Oak Harbor's Smith to Bluffton

Oak Harbor senior Tate Smith used to be a soccer player.

His mom and dad thought he ought to give kicking a football a try. Smith started booting field goals as a junior and will continue his career at Bluffton University.

“My parents told me to try,” he said. “I made it and was the kicker for Oak Harbor.

“Any time I had to work on kicking, I did every opportunity I got.”

Smith made a few extra points during his first game and wanted more. He established a school record with a 44-yard field goal as a senior.

He added a second field goal from 42 yards, among six total makes in seven tries. He misfired on only two of 25 extra points.

He plans to continue working to improve.

“I’m excited I made the choice to go to Bluffton because I love the coaches and I’m excited to continue my career at the next level,” he said. “I’m proud to be going to Bluffton.”

mhorn@gannett.com

419-307-4892

Twitter: @MatthewHornNH

Instagram: @matthewchorn