Stigler High School’s Latch Smith
Stigler High School’s Latch Smith brings a blue-collar mindset to everything he does, whether he is tracking a fly ball on the baseball diamond or pursuing his dreams on the football field. A senior for the Panthers, Smith has already experienced one of his biggest goals coming true when he was named an All-State football player, an honor he calls “a dream come true.”
“It was my main goal coming into this year and to be able to see my name when the list first came out was one of the greatest feelings ever,” Smith said. That same drive now fuels him as he turns his focus to baseball season.
Smith plays outfield and second base for Stigler, two spots that demand quick reads and athleticism. He said the most difficult part is reading fly balls and making tough catches on the run, but he embraces the challenge. At the plate, he prefers to keep it simple, saying his favorite pitch to hit is a classic fastball, middle of the zone, maybe a little high around his waist.
Smith credits his dad as his biggest inspiration, pushing him to be the best he can be “in every aspect of life” and to do his best in everything. In the classroom, his favorite subject is personal finance, and he points to Mr. Walker who also serves as his youth pastor as his favorite teacher.
What Smith enjoys most about Stigler baseball is the bond he shares with his teammates. He said the group is always having fun together, and he loves how everyone gets along and enjoys being around each other. He singled out teammate Cade Eakle as the most vocal Panther and the one who keeps everyone laughing.
Away from sports, Smith likes to hunt, fish and play cornhole. He said athletics has taught him to push through hard moments and enjoy the satisfaction that comes afterward, a lesson he plans to carry long after his days in a Stigler uniform.
