1966 SHS graduate
2-time District champion in wrestling
2-time State qualifier in wrestling
Placed 5th at State wrestling finals in 1965 and 3rd in 1966
Posted 35-3 wrestling record in 1966
Phil Smith is a 1966 graduate of Sterling High School. Phil earned recognition throughout the state as an exceptional wrestler, advancing to and placing at the state meet for two consecutive seasons.
In his first year as a varsity wrestler, Phil was a member of the Sterling wrestling team that posted a 6-8-1 dual meet record. The junior was a strong contender throughout the regular season, but it was in the postseason that Phil truly excelled. Phil’s second place performance at the North Central Illinois Conference (NCIC) meet helped the Golden Warriors to finish as runner-up. At the district meet Phil was crowned a district champion at 133 pounds as Sterling placed third. Phil continued his season at the Moline sectional meet, where he qualified for the state meet with a second place effort. At the state meet Phil battled the best competition in Illinois, completing his season with a fifth place medal.
Phil returned in his senior season reaching even greater heights, as the Golden Warriors ended the regular season with a 10-7 dual meet record. In addition to multiple dual meet victories, Phil was awarded a tournament title against impressive competition at the eight-team Rockford Tournament.
The senior’s dominance throughout the regular season continued into postseason matches as well. Ranked first in the conference, Phil did not disappoint at the NCIC meet, as two pins and two additional victories led him to a conference title. The Golden Warriors surpassed their six seed, finishing second as a team.
At the district meet, Sterling improved on their previous third place team title, finishing as runner-up. Phil wrestled at 127 pounds and won his second district championship of his career.
A highly competitive Peoria sectional resulted in Sterling earning fourth place, only three points behind the sectional champions, Moline. Phil landed in one of the top two spots needed to advance to the state meet for the second consecutive year.
At state, Phil won his first two matches before losing to the eventual champion in the third round. Phil was forced to contend through elimination in wrestleback rounds, where he fought his way to a third place medal.
Phil completed his senior season with a record of 35-3. He was the recipient of the Art Kraft Most Falls award and the Homer Musgrove Outstanding Wrestler award.