Athletics Feature
“I think it made me a better person,”
said Smith, who continued as a coach
and AD through his treatment despite
losing 30 pounds. “It made me a more
thankful person. It changed my way of
thinking. I just brainwashed myself to
try to be more positive and live a more
positive life when God gives you a sec-
ond chance. And I think it helped my
coaching because I did realize that when
we lost, it wasn’t the worst thing in the
world.”
From the Adrian Daily Telegram Archives—July, 1978.
Along with close colleagues on the
athletic side, Smith has built strong
bonds with others around the University
and community. Those bonds are one of
the reasons he stayed at Siena Heights.
“I had (coaching) opportunities to
leave, but I didn’t,” Smith said. “I love
Siena Heights because my best friends
were there. And the (Adrian Dominican)
Sisters helped me grow up. They were
the ones who helped me become a man
who has competence, purpose and eth-
ics. It is a special, special place.”
What’s next?
Smith knew it was time to give up
coaching in 2006 so he could focus on
growing the Siena Heights athletic pro-
gram. Now, he knows it’s time for him to
step back as a full-time athletic director
as he moves into the next chapter of his
life.
“I’m proud of our players and the
many friends that I’ve made,” he said.
“Seeing what we’ve done in athletics, I’ve
always believed that coaches and ADs
are like quarterbacks: they get too much
credit and get too much blame. To see
now what it means to our community
and what the Siena way is and the Do-
minican way is, and to be a part of that,
means a lot.”
Smith will continue to assist athletics
and the University in a limited role over
the next few months to help in the tran-
sition. Beginning July 1, current Associ-
ate Athletic Director and head women’s
basketball coach Sue Syljebeck will be-
come the interim athletic director until
the University makes a decision on the
long-term future of the position.
He said he is ready for the next chal-
lenge.
“I’m going to miss it, but I want to
be around,” said Smith, who plans on
increasing his time on the golf course,
as well as traveling, enjoying his grand-
children and attending University of
Michigan football games. “I had the
greatest job in the world, to impact
young peoples’ lives. I would have done
this for nothing.” u
20 | Reflections Summer ’19