After 25 seasons, the longstanding golf coach at Cambridge High School is retiring, unable to recall his precise record.
“I didn’t maintain detailed season records,” Smith stated. “For me, the focus was on the players’ progress from the start of the year to the end, rather than on a strict win-loss record.”
This doesn’t imply that Smith wasn’t a successful coach. He achieved success in ways that may be reflected in a record, but also in ways that a record doesn’t fully recognize.
On two occasions, in 2003 and 2004, Smith led teams to victory at the state championships. Throughout his coaching tenure in Cambridge spanning 22 years, the Bobcats qualified for the district tournament 14 times. Additionally, he has guided over a dozen players who pursued collegiate-level golf.
Smith has had a constructive impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to be coached by him.
Smith expressed, “Golf imparts numerous life lessons, perhaps more so than other sports. You may execute a good shot, only to find the ball in an unfavorable position, or vice versa. When faced with a poor shot, you must strategize how to improve. Overcoming adversity is a constant requirement, both on the course and in life.”
In addition to coaching the Bobcats golf team, Smith has held the position of president for both the Ohio High School and East District Golf Coaches Associations. Furthermore, he has contributed as a rules official at the state tournament for a period of 15 years.
In 2019, Smith was honored with induction into the Ohio State Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
When asked about his favorite golfer, Smith chuckled and mentioned his preference not to pick a favorite, particularly since he has coached both of his sons, Ian and Adam.
“What I’ll miss the most are the families, because through golf, you develop such close connections with them,” Smith expressed. “They’re there with you on the course, walking alongside. You get to know families from other schools as well, forming connections and engaging in conversations. Over the years, I’ve built many friendships.”
Smith’s fascination with golf began during the summer between seventh and eighth grade. He endured a bone chip in his knee, necessitating immobilization of his leg. To occupy himself, he discovered an old set of golf clubs in the basement and started playing.
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“One of the limited activities I could manage was swinging a golf club with a plastic ball in the backyard,” Smith recalled. “Following that, a few fellows from my church suggested going golfing, so they picked me up, and off we went.”
Smith participated in golf during his time at Strasburg High School, but he did not continue playing golf while attending Walsh College.
“I spent three years working as an assistant pro at Union Country Club in Dover while I was in college before transitioning into teaching,” Smith explained. “My high school coach, Jeff Willis, played a crucial role. He also owned Willandale Golf Club for a period.”
Coincidentally, Smith recently attended a ceremony for the Strasburg High School Hall of Fame, during which Willis was inducted into the Tigers’ Hall of Fame.
Smith acknowledges numerous high school coaches he faced in competition for aiding him in his journey as a young coach at Zanesville High School. He spent three seasons coaching there before assuming the position at Cambridge.
“When I began coaching at Zanesville, I had the support of many senior coaches who mentored me and provided assistance,” Smith remarked.
Smith, who plans to continue teaching at Cambridge for at least a few additional years, expressed his readiness to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities of coaching.
“Twenty-five years felt like a fitting milestone,” Smith reflected. “It’s time. I’m getting older, and I don’t have the same level of energy. It’s time for someone younger, with the same level of energy as the kids, to take the reins.”
“I still have the passion, and I’d be happy to accompany the kids. I might even drop by a practice or two if the new coach would like me to. I just don’t want the daily grind anymore.”
Smith is also eager to devote more time to golfing, including taking part in some of the fall outings at the Cambridge Country Club, which he hasn’t been able to join in the past 23 years. Additionally, he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his family.
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“I still enjoy spending time with my wife, J.J., who is also a teacher in the Cambridge School District,” Smith remarked. “It will be great to have the flexibility to do things together. Additionally, I’m looking forward to visiting our kids.”
Adam is currently a sophomore at Ohio State University, while Ian is pursuing his graduate studies at Mount Union, where he previously played golf as an undergraduate.
In his retirement, it’s evident that Smith will excel in what truly matters in life.
