Track coaches honor Smith
Jerry Smith, a fixture in Marion High School coaching ranks for more than two decades, received an award Jan. 6 from the Kansas Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association, recognizing Smith's 32 years of service to the sport.
Smith was among 19 middle school, high school, and collegiate coaches presented with longevity awards for 30 or more years of service. The honorees were recognized at the association's annual luncheon in Junction City.
Smith has coached track, football, and basketball for 32 years in Kansas schools, 21 of those years with Marion-Florence USD 408.
Smith was head track coach at Marion High School from 1987 to 1997, with five state champions during his tenure.
Twenty Warrior pole vaulters in the past 15 years have qualified for state competition under Smith's tutelage, with 15 of those athletes claiming medals.
