Panther track coach honored

Powell High School track and field coach Scott Smith has been selected as a 2011 national Coach of the Year finalist, according to the National High School Athletic Coaches Association website and his notification letter. Smith was selected for his outstanding coaching career, as well as the services that he provided to the coaching profession and his athletes.

“It is quite an honor for our coaches and athletes,” Smith said. “It is based on long term success and I have been fortunate enough to have worked with a lot of great people, kids and adults, for a long time. It has been an honor to have been associated with so many quality people over the years.”

Smith will be individually recognized and presented with a plaque at the national awards banquet in Grand Rapids, Mich., on June 22. The banquet will honor other coaches and athletic directors in 19 different sports from across the country and is part of the National High School Coaches Association’s annual convention. National Coach of the Year winners will also be announced at the event.

“Coach Smith prepares his kids to win,” PHS activities director Tim Wormald said. “He has coached five state championship teams and over 70 individual and relay state champions. Powell High School is very proud of him and his accomplishments.”

“I was pretty surprised when I got the news this week,” Smith said. “I think it is just a reflection of how blessed I have been over the last 19 years to have been able to work with so many quality athletes and coaches. This award really says more about our school and community than it does about me.”