Lindbergh's Sam Smith Shows How to Tackle a Challenge

Sam Smith, 18, Lindbergh High School senior 

Awesome Action: As a linebacker and wide receiver for Lindbergh's varsity football team, Smith broke the record for all-time career tackles with 237 over the previous record of 189 tackles set by Dan Gabris.

How: Smith has been playing football for the Lindbergh School District since fifth grade when he started with the flag football team, then moved to full pads by seventh grade. Coaches noticed Smith's abilities, so one of them planted a seed.

“(The coach) used to always talk about the kid who held the record,” Smith said. Naturally competitive, Smith set himself the goal early on. “I told (the coach) I wanted to be the one to break that record.” Smith did precisely what he set out to do. He not only broke the previous record, he obliterated it—by 38 tackles.

When: 2010 football season at Lindbergh High School

What More: As a sophomore, Smith moved to the starting varsity team and never looked back. Smith seemed to be recognized as a stand out player. “Sam is a super young man with a superb attitude. He has been a leader on our team and a varsity starter for the last three years,” said Tom Beauchamp, head football coach for Lindbergh.
In 2010, the 6-foot, 215-pound Smith was also named Suburban West Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All Suburban West Linebacker, First Team All-Metro Linebacker and First Team All-State Linebacker in the coach’s poll.
Smith is set to play football at University of Central Missouri at Warrensburg in the fall. 
“I want to win a national championship,” Smith said, looking toward college competition. He also wants to be on the starting team as a sophomore. “I plan to accomplish this with a lot of practice and hard work,” Smith said.