Union High School’s Oliver Smith
By Mike Moguin
Inspiration from what someone in leadership has said to you or what you, as a leader, can say to others often can be a root in your performance in sports.
That has been the case for Tulsa Union cornerback/wide receiver Oliver “Ollie” Smith Jr., who is heading into his senior season in football.
From home to the classroom and the field, Smith cherishes the lessons learned in all areas. “Football has taught me to value others more, especially the ones that you hold closer to you,” Smith said.
A teacher who has impacted Smith’s life, the Redhawk football player said, is “Mr. Thompson from my sophomore year. He just always pressured me to do the right thing and held me accountable when I did things wrong.”
That teacher is Richard Thompson, who at one time was on the Union coaching staff. Smith was a student under Thompson for Advanced U.S History, one of his core classes in his sophomore academic year. They continue to keep in touch, Smith said.
“It was a great relationship. We’ve developed a friendship since,” Smith added. “It has translated to the football field. He always said that to be successful in the big things, you must focus on the little things. He caught me after practice the other we caught up.”
Smith has also been greatly inspired by his mom, he said. “Seeing her work every day to put food on the table makes me strive to do better.”
When it comes to some of the best advice ever given to him, Smith said, “What’s expected never has to be explained.”
And then there is teammate Ter’quan Johnson, whose adverse conditions impress Smith.
“He didn’t get much playing time, but he shows up to practice every day with no car, just feet (walking), so he shows up no matter what the situation is,” Smith said. “He just keeps working.”
Being able to make the kids around the community smile on and off the field is Smith’s favorite part about representing his school as an athlete.
Smith’s greatest accomplishment, he said, is being selected as an all-state player last season.
“I wanna give a shoutout to my entire family for sticking with me through the thick and thin and being with me step-for-step in my football journey.”
Other activities Smith likes, “believe it or not, is lacrosse from time to time,” he said.
