By Matt Browning

Kacen Smith of Goessel was voted the Salina Area Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. He received over 80 percent of the overall vote. “Football is always something I’ve loved and wanted to be good at,” Smith said. “When I was a freshman our team needed a kicker, so I started putting in work and it’s starting to pay off.”

Last season, Smith was an honorable mention all-state kicker, where he racked up over 1,600 yards on kickoffs and recorded 12 touchbacks—all of which occurred in the playoffs.

Smith and the Bluebirds have lofty expectations for the upcoming season. “My expectations for the year are high,” said Smith, who also plays fullback and defensive end. “We have a lot of talent coming back on the team. Our goal is to finish better than last year and, of course, we would love to get a shot at the championship. As for myself, my goal is to be an all-state kicker and hopefully punter too.”

Outside of sports, Smith also plays basketball and track at Goessel. Plus, outside of school, he competes in rodeos.

Smith has always dreamt of playing football in college and he would like for that dream to come true, but he does not know where yet. He would like to pursue a future in medicine and become a surgeon.