PowerADE Personal
Best Athlete

Toby Smith

Being a starter is not always the measuring stick for a great athlete. That's certainly true of Toby Smith, a 6-foot-tall senior at Bushland High School.

Toby Smith: Bushland High School

According to head basketball coach Steve Rhodes, "Toby contributes greatly to our cause every night, even though he's not a starter.

"His defensive tenacity is a huge reason for our success on the court this season. He's a selfless player."

When Toby enters the game, things just seem to happen for the Falcons.

"He's a game changer," Rhodes said.

Toby's success can largely be credited to his personal drive and desire to do his very best.

His coaches said he goes just as hard in practice as he does in the games.

That push to improve helps to raise the playing level of everyone on the team. He always leads by example.

Toby isn't a one-dimensional athlete.

He played football, is a member of the golf team and runs track for his school.

Toby's work ethic and his personal desire to be the best he can be have earned him our respect and recognition as this week's Amarillo Independent PowerADE Personal Best Athlete.

E-mail comments about this story
to the publisher of The Amarillo Independent.

Posted: February 21, 2008