The N&O endorsed Fred Smith — in 1959.
The future state senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate was chosen by sports reporters and league coaches for the 4-A state football team.
Smith, then a 200-pound, 5'11" tackle at Broughton High in Raleigh, was an "almost unanimous" choice with six votes, noted an article in the Dec. 14 newspaper.
The article notes that during the season Smith and his teammate, Bob Baird, "figured in almost every kind of play possible" — intercepting passes and setting up touchdowns.
"Smith and Baird were chosen as members of the Shrine Bowl this year for their play during the season. Smith, afterwards, was named outstanding lineman of the game for his efforts."
After high school, Smith went to Wake Forest University on a football scholarship.
Document(s):
smith-football.pdf
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