The newest member of the New Iberia Senior High Athletic Hall of Fame is Mike Smith of the Class of 1984.

Smith was a three-year starter for the Yellow Jackets as both an offensive tackle and linebacker under legendary coaches Wylie Fraze, Merlin Wallet, Bill Simon, Don Husbands, Eddie Sorrel, Joe Jefferson, Kevin Hardy, and Coach Batiste.

Smith earned several all-district and all-state awards while at NISH.

Smith attended McNeese State University on a football scholarship before shifting his focus to professional bull riding.

Smith credits his talents gained on the football field for his success as a professional bull rider, earning the 1988 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Steer Wrestling Rookie of the Year award in 1988.

Smith’s success in professional rodeos earned him several awards and accolades, including:

1989 Texas Toughest Steer Wrestler, Marble Falls, TX.

1991, 1992 Santa Maria Steer Wrestling Champion

1990, 1993, 1998 Crown Royal World Standings Regular Season Leader

1993 Cheyenne Frontier Days Steer Wrestling Champion

1995 Calgary Stampede Steer Wrestling Champion

1998 Pikes Peak Steer Wrestling Champion

1998 PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler

2004 Oklahoma World’s Toughest Bulldogging Champion.

Smith is joined in the NISH Hall of Fame by his mother, Dr. Dell Smith, a 2022 inductee.