Anthony Ziola
ASU Student Journalist

Westwood's Smith looking to move forward in track career

February 18, 2018 by Anthony Ziola, Arizona State University


James Smith is a senior track star at Westwood. Smith is being recruited by various major universities he already visited Oklahoma State. He had planned to visit UCLA last week and North Carolina later.

Smith has enjoyed the recruiting process. “it feels nice and all my accomplishments have been paid off. It feels good that colleges have called.

“My role models are my dad and from an athletic standpoint, Andrew Moses,” said Smith.

Smith also a role model for other Westwood student-athletes. Richard Long, the athletic director of Westwood, praises Smith.

“James has been a model student-athlete. He competes at a very high level, shows dedication to his team, takes a leadership role on the team and gets his work done in the classroom. Everything you could want from a student-athlete, he makes it happen," Long said.

Smith tries to be a role model for kids, and he prides himself on doing well academically and athletically.

Smith explained his future goals. “Going to college obviously, making the Olympics and winning gold medals," he said. He believes in himself and that he is good enough to qualify for the Olympics.

Smith credits his father for getting him interested in track. “When I was young I watched my dad run and that made me want to do track.”

Smith has set records in the 400-meter hurdles and competed on a national level.

“My biggest accomplishment in track is setting the record for 400 meter hurdles last year and winning nationals,” said Smith. He has had great success in other national-level track events, finishing seventh in the 110-meter hurdles, third in the 300 hurdles, and fourth in the 1,600 meter relay.

He also has a record for the 110-meter hurdles, running it in 13.44 seconds.

Smith said he enjoyed a visit to Oklahoma State. He has made no decision on where he is going to college.

“My favorite is the 400 meter hurdles,” said Smith. He holds the state record in that event.

During his free time “I like to cook and dance,” said Smith.

His father is a huge reason why he decided to go to Westwood. “My dad coaches here, he has been my coach my whole life and there is no reason to switch up," Smith said.

“James has always been a great track athlete and even when he was little has worked very hard," Mr. Smith said. "He did not mind getting second, third or fourth. Drive has made him work very hard and he is breaking records and one of the top kids this season. I have never had to drag him to the track and he’s always been very self-motivated.”