Whether that involves an extra hour of layups after practice or running a few more sprints, Smith knows that once the game starts, she's done all she can.

But homecoming night's competition was a little different, Smith was competing for homecoming queen, and no amount of layups or sprints could affect the outcome.

"With academics and athletics you know what to do to prepare, to win," Smith says. "In this kind of competition, you can't do anything to win and that's the fun difference to athletics."

For the occasion, Smith wore a brown tweed pantsuit, with a white and gold blouse and brown high heels. The last time Smith wore a pair of heels was in May at the prom. The slick weather conditions only added to the fear of an embarrassing tumble in front of family, friends and most of the school.

For many accustomed to seeing Smith in a basketball and a track uniform, her "girlie" look surprised a few people. The most common reaction was along the lines of dropping jaws and bulging eyes. There were even a few shrieks.

Smith says to get ready for homecoming, she spent about $120 on her outfit. Of course, this isn't counting accessories, make-up and the other stuff involved in the whole production.

To prepare for the big event, Smith says she spent most of Friday sitting around the house eating lasagna and about one hour total getting ready. That has to be a world record.

The Mustang girls' basketball captain would have had more, but poor weather conditions kept many from traveling, including older brother Musa, a running back for the Baltimore Ravens.

"My parents didn't know how to get into this because of so many guys," Smith says. "And most of the time I act like a guy with athletics, so they didn't know how to get into it, but my family will always support you. You show an interest in something, even if it's not athletics, and they will support it."

Smith spent much of the first half watching the Mustangs' game against Greencastle and cheering for her younger brother, running back Ibrahim Smith. The second half was spent talking to her friends, against whom she happened to be competing for the crown.

The close-knit relationships killed any possibility of a juicy spat for an eager sportswriter. I thought there would be at least one catty argument and maybe a ruined outfit of two.

As the clock ticked closer to halftime, Smith and the rest of the homecoming court started to get a little antsy. When they all met up next to the football field, roses were handed out to the girls, while the guys received instructions. A few of those instructions included staying out of the girls' way.

Kindig and teammate Mike Scott were both on the court and missed most of the halftime locker room talk to take part in the homecoming ceremonies.

"The coaches would wish that we were in there to hear halftime adjustments, but they don't mind," Kindig says. "They will talk to us after we get in there."

Kindig did his best to straighten up before he and Smith made their long walk to the podium. The best he could do was to remove his hand towel from the front of his paints and re-tuck in his shirt. Smith said she didn't mind all the sweat and mud.

Once everyone was on the podium, it was time for announcements. Homecoming prince went to Mike Scott, who like Kindig was caked in mud. Homecoming king went to Andy Weiner. Homecoming princess went to Erin Hench, and the queen was Sarah Sterner.

After a host of pictures was taken by proud moms and dads, Smith put on her coat and headed back to the stands. With West Perry leading 7-0, there were more important things to worry about.

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