A former Okmulgee County student has earned one of the state’s top football honors after a standout senior season on the gridiron.
Hunter Smith, a member of the Sallisaw Black Diamonds football team and a former student at Morris Public Schools, has been selected to the 2025-26 Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) Class 4A All-Star Team as a defensive lineman. The presti-
SEE TACKLING THE CHALLENGE, PAGE B6 gious honor recognizes the top high school football players across Oklahoma who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and dedication to their teams.
Hunter is the son of Wrestling Coach Mark and Jenny (Colombin) Smith and the grandson of Jan and Fran Colombin of Okmulgee, maintaining strong ties to Okmulgee County despite finishing his high school career in eastern Oklahoma.
During the 2025 season with the Black Diamonds, Smith proved to be a dominant force on the defensive front. His performance earned him recognition as the 4A-4 Defensive Lineman of the Year, a testament to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses throughout the season.
Statistically, Smith’s senior campaign was impressive. He recorded 45 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss, while also tallying nine quarterback sacks. Demonstrating athleticism uncommon for many defensive linemen, Smith also grabbed two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Coaches say his combination of strength, quickness and football instincts made him a constant challenge for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks.
But Smith’s accomplishments extend beyond football. A multi-sport athlete and leader among his peers, he has also distinguished himself on the wrestling mat. In 2026, Smith earned All-American honors in wrestling, adding another major athletic achievement to his high school career.
Off the field, Smith has balanced academics, athletics and work responsibilities while continuing to serve as a role model for younger athletes. He is expected to graduate in 2026 with a 3.2 GPA and has been recognized as an Honor Society member.
Smith has also gained valuable work experience while in high school. He worked as a ranch hand for Sullivan & Sullivan Law Office, performing physically demanding ranch duties that required reliability, discipline and strong time management skills. In addition, he worked as a cashier at Bill Bearden Fireworks, where he handled cash transactions and provided customer service during busy seasonal operations.
His commitment to leadership is also reflected in his service as a youth wrestling coach for the 10-and-under team, where he helped mentor young athletes in fundamentals, discipline and sportsmanship. Through coaching and mentoring, Smith has played an important role in developing the next generation of wrestlers while serving as a positive role model within the community.
Those who know Smith say his leadership qualities, strong work ethic and dedication to teamwork have been key factors in his success both in athletics and in life.
Hunter hasn’t decided where he plans to attend college, though his grandpa, Jan Colombin may have some input, but stated he’s leaving that decision up to Hunter.
For ‘Coach Colombin,’ watching his grandson, ‘his fishing buddy,’ is a source of great pride. Both his grandparents have traveled constantly to watch his high school career in both football and wrestling. They are excited to see what the future holds for this young man.
As he prepares to complete his senior year and look toward the future, Smith’s accomplishments on the football field, wrestling mat and in leadership roles suggest that his best chapters are still ahead.
For the Smith and Colombin families, and for those who have watched him grow both as an athlete and as a young man, the honor is a fitting recognition of a student who has excelled through dedication, discipline and perseverance.
