By Chris Weeden
Collegian Staff Writer
It was supposed to be the Hollywood ending for the “good guy. “He’s got the girl, but he just couldn’t get the gold.
Senior Penn State wrestler Adam Smith left for St. Louis last Tuesday afternoon looking to become All-America for the first time in his career.
The prospects of the elusive dream were the best they’d been since the Nittany Lion first put on the blue and white singlet for the 2001-2002 season.
Coming off a career-best fourth-place showing at the Big Ten Championships March 5-6, he suffered the second loss of the double-elimination tournament Friday morning.
The 4-3 loss to No. 8 seed Bobby Lowe from Minnesota put an end to Smith’s career in quiet fashion as he was two wins shy from becoming an All-American.
“I know it’s tough for him to go out that way, “said freshman 133-pounder Bryan Heller. “I feel bad for him. He works so hard and he wants it so bad.”
Smith, a co-captain, helped in the development of Heller, who saw the top 20 for the first time of his career as the dual meet schedule ended.
Smith started the year later than most because of back surgery, which he had after last season.
“I got a late start with surgery and everything, “Smith said. “I started slow, but my whole goal for the year was to come in and win. I really thought I could be an All-American this year. I wrestled hard. I’m not going to have any regrets because I went after it and I went hard.”
Although his wrestling days are behind him, Smith has a lot of other things going on besides wrestling.
“It’s a new phase of my life. I’m graduating in a month and a half and getting married two months after that, “Smith said. “The wrestling part is pretty much over … but I’m excited to get married and start that.”
With the departure of Smith, the program will lose one of its greatest ambassadors.
“He did a great job the last four years representing the program, “Penn State coach Troy Sunderland said. “He’s a battler and he has a bright future ahead of him.”
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