The Culver City Centaurs have another reason to be proud this season. Culver City High School Senior Alex Smith will become one of the few Centaurs to play for a Big Ten school. Smith recently signed an agreement to play for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
A Big Ten School, as far as football is concerned, refers to a college or university whose football program competes in the Big Ten Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision. It is the highest level of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition in the sport. The Big Ten Conference is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the country. Schools currently a part of the Big Ten include Michigan, Northwestern, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, Penn State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa, Indiana, Rutgers, Maryland and Nebraska.
Smith was very excited to have the opportunity to play for the Badgers. In July he remarked, “It feels great. All of my hard work and efforts have finally paid off. I really enjoyed my visit and the school has my Business Real Estate major, which is great. They are No. 2 in the nation in that field.”
Smith did mention some apprehension over the change in climate, moving from California to Wisconsin though. “Coming from California it’s going to be tough but after talking to some of the players they said after the first year I should be able to adjust to the change of weather,”
The Culver City Real Estate area does boast of some wonderful weather, but Martin Feinberg, Realtor, is sure that Smith will be able to cope with less temperate climes.
Regardless of the climate, Smith is excited for the chance to prove himself in a Big Ten school. He stated, “When I get to Wisconsin I will have to start all over. I will have to work my way up from ground zero so I can get on the field and show everyone what I can do.”
Smith currently plays defensive back and receiver for the Centaurs but was recruited to play defensive back for the Badgers. According to Culver City High School Head Coach Jahmal Wright, “Alex is a very explosive and talented athlete who has size and speed to compete at the college level. Right now we are just happy he has one more year at Culver City.”
Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, hopes that the Centaurs have an amazing season this fall and is sure that Alex will represent the school well when he graduates and moves on to bigger things.