A 1970 graduate of McPherson College, David Smith was named to head the Bulldogs’ track & field and cross country programs in June of 2004 after serving as assistant coach for the McPherson College track and field program during the spring of 2004. In mid-May, Smith had assumed the duties as lead recruiter for the Bulldog track and cross-country programs.
Following his graduation from St. John, Kan., High School, Smith matriculated to McPherson College where he was a four-year letter winner in cross country and track & field under coach Art Ray. Twice the KCAC champion at 440 yards, Smith was also part of the Bulldogs’ conference champion cross country and mile relay teams. He was twice selected as team captain during his competitive track & field days, during which he set or was part of eight school records in addition to qualifying for the NAIA national championships.
After receiving his degree in math education, Smith taught and coached at Goessel and Haven High Schools. At both schools, he was responsible for starting their cross country programs, in addition to coaching track & field and girls’ basketball. He later served as an adjunct faculty member at Hutchinson Community College and worked with the Blue Dragons’ cross country program. Most recently he has been co-owner of Business Computer Center of Hutchinson.
“It is difficult for me to put my feeling for McPherson College into words,” said Smith. “My parents graduated from McPherson College. My wife and I are graduates, and our daughter is going to school here. I believe in the College, what it stands for, and personally, I know the difference the College, and what being part of a successful team, can make in a young person’s life.”
“The traits of that produce good students, also produce good athletes; dedication, hard work, goal setting, time management, positive attitude, honesty, and just plain hard work and effort. If you define success as becoming the best that you are capable of becoming, then in my mind, an environment like McPherson College is the best place to become a success.”
