East Lincoln HS baseball teammates Graham Smiley and Garret Michel turned to rivals
DENVER, N.C. — Graham Smiley and Garret Michel have been friends since they were in diapers. The two have played ball together since they were four years old. They came up through the same programs in Lincoln County, including playing under the tutelage of Coach Chris Matile at East Lincoln High School. Now, however, the duo will play against each other at their chosen colleges.
“Graham and Garret have pushed each other throughout their middle and high school baseball careers,” says Cathy Smiley, Graham’s mother. “The boys have excelled on and off the field and it has been a joy to watch them grow up together.”
Graham is a catcher. He called pitches for all 3 years of high school. Garrett is a hitter. He led the nation in number of homeruns during his senior year.
Coach Chris Matile, who just celebrated his 500th win, coached the young men at East Lincoln High School.
“I can’t say enough positive things about Coach Matile,” says Cathy Smiley.
“We respect him as a coach and as a person so very much. He was a phenomenal coach for Graham and helped him develop as a leader on and off the field. Coach Matile sets his ego aside and allows his players to rise and grow into their full potential.”
During his freshman year, Graham was offered a scholarship to NC State. Garrett accepted a similar offer at Virginia Tech. The young men will both continue their baseball careers and will meet each other as rivals rather than teammates on the field.
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