Recent Linfield graduate Colton Smith has received distinction as the Male Vern Marshall Award, becoming the 13th member of the Wildcats football program to earn the honor.
 
Presented annually, the award is named in honor of former Linfield student-athlete and longtime college and professional sports referee Vern Marshall Sr. It recognizes the top male and female athletes who compete with the greatest tenacity. A total of 20 honorees representing six programs have earned the men's accolade dating back to 2002.
 
A fifth-year senior from McMinnville, Ore., Smith leaves behind a lasting legacy following his time as an all-star wide receiver at Linfield. The son of Linfield football coach Joseph Smith and his wife, Darla, Colton burst onto the scene as a freshman when he totaled 52 receptions for 820 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year.
 
During his career, Colton Smith continued to be a mainstay in the Wildcats' aerial attack, accumulating 203 receptions, 2,597 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns. He concluded his playing career ranking among the top two all-time in receiving yards and total receptions while being top five in receiving yards, receptions per game, and total points scored.
 
Smith battled through severe scar tissue and ligament issues but became one of the football program's only four-time all-conference performers, including three first team recognitions. His other accolades include the 2019 Linfield Newcomer of the Year, two-time Linfield Most Inspirational Player and 2022 Resilience Award winner.