HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
STEVE SMITH,
ORRVILLE
2003 RECIPIENT
Coach Steve Smith graduated from Shelby High School in
1964 where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball and was MVP in
basketball. Upon graduation he went to work at the Ohio Steel Tube plant in
Shelby as an overhead crane operator. In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
After serving three years, including a one year tour of duty with the
Seebees in DaNang, Vietnam, he returned home to begin his college
education. He returned to the steel mill and attended the local branch of OSU part-time until 1970 when he had an opportunity to play basketball at
Northern Arizona University. So he packed up with his wife and three year
old son, Steve Jr. and moved to Flagstaff, Arizona. In August, 1972, he
graduated with a degree in Physical Education and English and also welcomed
his second son, Rocky.
That same year he began teaching English and was Asst. Varsity Football and
JV Basketball coach at Sandusky Perkins High School, Sandusky, Ohio. After
only one year as an assistant coach he moved on to Old Fort Where he was
Head Basketball and Baseball coach for the next four years. His 1975
baseball team made it to the State. While at Old Fort Steve completed his
Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Bowling green State
University.
In 1977, Steve moved to Orrville, Ohio and became the Head Basketball coach
for the next 25 years. He also served as Head Golf Coach for six years. He
taught at risk students for 23 years and retired as the O.W.E. Coordinator
in 2002. He had the pleasure of coaching both his sons during those 25
years. In 1980, his third year at Orrville, he guided Orrville to the first
ever State appearance. In 1992 Orrville won the first State Championship in
high school history with a 27-1 record. In 1995 and 1996 Orrville became the
only Ohio high school to win back to back State Championships while moving
up a division (Div. III in 1995 and Div. II in 1996).
Coach Smith compiled a 57-32 record in his 4 years at Old Fort and a 456-136
record in the 25 years at Orrville. His overall coaching record is an
outstanding 513-168 and includes three State Championships. His most
treasured awards include the Bob Arnzen Award, the Paul Walker Award, and
the Akron Beacon Journal Clem Caraboolad Award for Humanitarian efforts. He
is extremely honored to have received awards bearing the names of these
wonderful coaches.
Coach Smith’s philosophy is simple; work hard, play hard, and play together
as a team. His teams were well disciplined, played tough defense and played
together. He cared about his players both on and off the court. He demanded
their best efforts and loved them for it.
Coach Smith resides in Orrville with his wife of 36 years, Donna. She has
been by his side through it all and is his number one supporter. His son
Steve, Jr. teaches Math and is the Head Basketball Coach of the Robinson
High School Knights in Tampa, Florida. Rocky and his wife Shelly live in
Orrville, where he is involved in the youth sports programs. Rocky’s two
sons Alexander, 8 and Luke, 5 are coach’s pride and joy and he looks forward
to watching them play in future years.
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