Fred Smith's Thoughts On Defeat

In a December 6, 1959, story in the Charlotte Observer, the then-high school football player made clear his feelings after North Carolina lost to South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl.

Though he was chosen as the game's outstanding lineman, [Fred] Smith was not happy: Smith riveted his eyes on the horizon with a grim expression. "Come on, Fred," called a buddy, "smile for the man."

"The losers don't smile," sighed Smith, finally breaking into a faint grin.

All was not lost, however. The story goes on to note that college coaches from both Carolinas descended on Smith "with outstretched palms, eyes gleaming with congeniality." Smith went on to attend Wake Forest University on a football scholarship.