Bob Smith '78 was without a doubt one of the finest track athletes to grace the competitive environment for the Scots. A record setter and honored competitor in both track and field competition, Smith was equally effective in a leadership role and was a role model for his teammates.
He remains the MIAA and Alma College all-time record holder in the 440 yard dash with a time of 48.7 seconds established in 1977. The following year, the MIAA adopted metric timing, and he set a new record in the 400 meter with a time of 48.3 seconds that remained for several years. Smith was a field event performer as well; he was the MIAA triple jump champion in both 1976 and 1977. An All-MIAA performer in 1976, 1977 and 1978, Smith earned the MIAA's Most Valuable Track and Field Athlete honor his senior year. He also was an NCAA National Qualifier in 1977 for the 400 meter dash and the 4x110 relay, and in 1978 for the 400 meter dash.
Smith was the track captain at Alma College in both 1977 and 1978. The Scots' coaching staff also selected him as the Block Scholar-Athlete for 1978. He lettered in track all four years and cross country in 1977. Smith's remarkable athletic and leadership career at Alma College was a precursor for greater achievements in the years following graduation.
Smith has been a teacher and coach at Class A Novi High School for 25 years where he has impacted the lives, perspectives and futures of countless students and student-athletes. His enthusiasm, integrity and ability to relate positively with the students has resulted in an extensive list of coaching and personal achievements.
His teams have accomplished great success, including continuous top ten finishes at the MHSAA Cross Country State Championships with two Boy's Class A Cross Country State Championships in 1998 and 1999 and third and fourth place finishes at the Boy's Class A Track and Field State Championships. He has had 98 all-state performers and numerous individual champions throughout his years of coaching. Smith has received many personal coaching honors. He was honored by his peers and named Michigan Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In 2000, he was one of eight finalists for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Cross Country Coach of the Year. He was named Coach of the Year by the National Federation of Coaches Association and the Michigan High School Coaches Association. In 2002, he received special tribute by the Ninety-First Legislature of the State of Michigan. Most recently, he was inducted into the South Lyon High School Hall of Fame in 2005.
Smith is married to Alma alumna Tamara Will Smith '79. The couple have a daughter, Samantha, who was the 2004 Indoor Triple Jump State Champion in high school and currently attends the University of Michigan where she competes on the women's track team.
"My Alma College experience prepared me for life by showing me that life is about more than just studying and books," said Smith. "It is about people. The liberal arts education at Alma is a perfect blend of academic knowledge and personal growth. As an added bonus, teamwork and dedication proved to be the bedrock of the athletic program at Alma. It is the foundation to which I credit my teaching and coaching achievements."
