After Starring for Salthawks, Kade Smith is Running It Up for the Blue Dragons 

By Chris Lachenmaier
Sports Editor
IG: @chrissylach

Hutchinson Community College has had numerous stars and athletes.

Kade Smith, a freshman running back, has been impressive on and off the football field. His motivation and testimony are so strong in his personality and how he treats people and acts everyday.

Being from Hutchinson and playing at Gowans Stadium in high school for the Hutchinson High Salthawks, HutchCC coach Drew Dallas has always kept his eyes on Smith.

“We got the chance to watch him a lot in high school, and knew what he was capable of doing, and it just kinda happened later in the process,” Dallas said. “I think he was trying to figure out exactly what he wanted to do, moving in the future, but he’s a great kid, with a great family, we are fortunate to have him.”

As a freshman, Smith didn’t get a lot of time to learn a brand-new offense. Smith credits quarterback Christian Johnson with helping him.

“I had to learn the offense really fast, but Christain has been here for me and has really helped me be able to really learn the offense,” Smith said. “It was such a blessing. He was also so patient with me, and has trusted me. He has been a really great guy.”

Smith has only played since the calendar turned to November, as he steadily grew into learning the offense. In three games, he has rushed for 159 yards and five touchdowns for the top-ranked Blue Dragons.

“Adapting to the college lifestyle came naturally to me,” Smith said. “I’m really just like, dang well I’m here, everyone seems a lot more stronger, bigger, more athletic, but I just kept sticking to the process, and sticking through it even when its hard, just showing off, just having the mentality of whatever’s in front of me with the Lord on my side.”

Dallas has found a value in Smith during a season where the running back position has been by committee.

“He’s really settled down that spot for us,” Dallas said. “He gives us a good, consistent run game, and he is just a tough kid that does things the right way, and there is a lot of value in that. More than anything, he just keeps working, and early on, learning the offense, being confident in what he is doing, and then getting the opportunity here in the later half of the season. And his confidence-building, knowing that he can do it at a high level in this league, the biggest thing is just understanding what we’re trying to do in the run game, and getting what’s out there for him.”

The 27-12 win at Butler on Nov. 1 featured Smith’s collegiate debut.

“The Butler game is the game that I got moved up,” Smith said. “I was actually third on the depth chart a week before that game. I sold it. I got 98 yards. It was such a blessing to be able to play after not playing at all, then playing really good. Me and the running backs are really tight. It’s been an awesome community around here. Really great support system from my family, and the community just supporting me so far.”

Smith said he puts his work ethic through Jesus, like Colossians 3:23 talks about whatever you do, work as though you’re working for the Lord.

“I just want to represent Christ in how I work,” Smith said.” The Lord has blessed me with an opportunity to play this year. I still need to remain steadfast, and I think a lot of guys saw that.” 

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