If you caught Bishop Kenny’s Track meets this year, you undoubtedly noticed their record breaking jumper Gino Smith. Smith, a senior who had offers from UNF, Emmory Riddle, and SC Buford, broke the school record in the triple jump at 45 ft 11 inches. He would go on to win districts, and finished 6th in the state ending his campaign at regionals.
Gino was an all around athlete for the last three years at BK. He not only competed in the triple and long jump events , but was also a small forward on the BK basketball team as well. Yet being ranked number one in the region in the triple jump showed where his true dedication lied. When asked what he enjoyed about track and field specifically Smith stated, “It’s a self-disciplined sport. You have to keep pushing yourself”. Yet Smith didn’t have to push himself to be great.
He received a lot of motivation from his mother Gina Jones and older brothers Gadis and Guy. Gadis played football, basketball, and was a drum major at Ribault (2001), and Guy a swimming and track athlete also at Bishop Kenny(11′-12′). Gina, a single mother raising three boys holds a special place in Gino’s heart.
” She’s a big impact (in my life) and still is. She is my true motivator and supported me no matter the distance, location, or weather of the event. She put her all in for me and if I needed something for sports or just for myself, she would give me her last. I love my mother for all she has done”.
Mom won’t have to drive to far to see Gino in college. He committed to Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach for track & field. Seems like just yesterday he was walking the halls of St. Patrick’s for middle school. Now he is the record breaker, headed off to college, and destined for greatness in whatever he chooses to do there and after.
