Prairie High School’s wrestling coach has been recognized for his dedication and leadership, earning the prestigious title of Coach of the Week. This followed the team winning the Clark County tournament.
With 38 years of coaching experience, he continues to inspire his team and the community through his commitment to student-athletes. In an interview, the coach reflected on this year’s accomplishments, highlighting the team’s notable achievements. “Probably winning the Clark County tournament,” he said, referring to the wrestling tournament in Clark County. “We don’t have two return state champions or a handful of state placers. Like the other teams We have one returning state placer, Tommie, and another participant. The rest are just grinders—they go out and win matches.” His pride in his team’s hard work is amazing, and he describes the season as “enjoyable.”
The coach credits his educational background with shaping his leadership. He attended Oregon State, Western Washington, and Washington State University in Vancouver. “Coaching at Oregon State, wrestling for Dale Thomas, taught me the most about leadership,” he explained. “He was a legend in wrestling, and I learned a lot from him—he was kind of a pain in the rear, but he pushed me to be better. That lesson has carried over into how I coach and mentor my wrestlers.”
Throughout his career, the coach has been dedicated not just to winning matches but to raising young men and women to be their best. coaching for 38 years, and I believe in getting back to wrestling and developing character, discipline, and perseverance in my athletes.
One of the wrestlers Tommie Vick has wrestled for four years on varsity has learned a lot from Mr. Smith. A lot of people would say one of his phrases is “state of mind”. “ He knows my strengths and weaknesses, knows what is best for me and also can teach me things that I can learn in a way that works for me.” wrestler Tommie Vick said.
His lifelong commitment to the sport and his team exemplifies the spirit of coaching, making him a deserving recipient of this week’s honor.
