Pete Smolanovich

Pete Smolanovich was one of Poland High School’s outstanding three-sport athletes, lettering in football, basketball, and track, while also playing on the local polo team.

In football, Pete played quarterback and earned Tri-County honors in 1954. In basketball, he was a three-year letterman. During the 1953–54 season, he was a starter on the team that tied for the Tri-County Championship. In 1954–55, he was selected First Team All Tri-County, finished as Poland’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, and helped lead the team to the Tri-County Championship.

In track, Pete excelled in track and field events. As a senior, he was the team’s leading scorer and was recognized as the Most Athletic athlete.

After graduating, Pete served two years in the U.S. Navy, where he played football for the Norfolk Naval Station. He then attended San Diego City College (1958–59), earning two varsity letters and All-League honors. From 1960–61, Pete played football at New Mexico State University, where he earned two varsity letters and received NCAA recognition for National Kicking Records. His accomplishments included records for most points scored in a game, most consecutive extra points, and the longest field goal in 1961. In 1970, he was inducted into the New Mexico State University Hall of Fame.