The Oxford High School Wildcats will be hosting a special ceremony on August 24 to dedicate the grand opening of the school’s new gymnasium to long-time teacher and coach Ian Smith.
On August 10, the Oxford Schools Board of Education passed a resolution naming the new gym in honor of the veteran teacher. OHS Athletic Director Pat Ball told board members that numerous individuals recommended Smith for the honor.
‘A dozen or so people over the past month or two mentioned this to me,? Ball later told this reporter, ‘and the number actually grows from there. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many, there were so many, and groups and such.?
‘I can’t think of a more deserving individual for this,? said board member Doug Myer during the meeting. ‘He’s an extraordinary man.?
Mr. Smith began teaching in the district in September of 1975. He was hired as a social studies teacher and began coaching girls basketball shortly after.
‘He certainly was a very personable young man, very upbeat and excited to be interviewing for the job,? remembers Lee Noftz, the Oxford athletic director at the time. ‘Your first impression of him was very positive.?
After 29 years in the field, Smith retired from teaching and coaching in June of 1999 due to an ongoing battle with cancer. During his time as the girls varsity basketball coach, Smith assisted the team in earning 493 victories, 13 league titles, 16 district titles, 6 regional titles and two MHSAA semifinal appearances. He was voted into the Michigan Basketball Coach’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
‘He knew the game of basketball,? stated Noftz. ‘He knew what it took to win. I don’t think there was anyone more dedicated to coaching. He knew how to motivate his players.?
Ball couldn’t agree more. The current OHS athletic director has not only had the opportunity to work with Coach Smith, but had a daughter play under his guidance.
‘She was a non-starter, but he always made her feel like an important part of the team,? explained Ball. ‘Ian’s one of those great guys. It’s amazing what he could pull out of kids.?
There is one stat that may surprise many Oxford basketball fans ? throughout his 29 years of coaching, Smith’s teams only had five technical fouls. According to Ball, Smith had a simple rule: a player fouls during the game, and they are out for the rest of the game.
‘The girls would work hard to play fair because they knew if they didn’t they’d be out of the game,? Ball said with a smile. ‘He believed in sportsmanship and made sure his team’s did as well.?
So how would one describe a man who is respected by so many people on so many levels? In the words of Mr. Noftz, ‘He’s a gentleman.?
‘He was a dedicated person. He was a teacher,? concluded Noftz. ‘It didn’t matter where he was – in the classroom, walking down the hallway, on the court – if he wasn’t teaching subject matter, he was teaching by example.?
‘I was absolutely shocked, stunned,? said Smith when asked about his reaction to the news.
Smith said he’s been in the new field house to watch the girls varsity team practice with current coach Becky Graves.
‘I think (the fieldhouse) is nice,? said Smith. ‘It’s amazing.?
‘I’m still shocked by all of this,? he later added. ‘It still hasn’t really sunk in – I never though I would have something like this named after me.?
The special dedication ceremony will take place on August 24 around 6:45 p.m., before the girls first home varsity basketball game. Everyone is invited to the ceremony and game free of charge. Cake and coffee will be served during half time in celebration of the event. The new Oxford High School gymnasium is located at 745 N. Oxford Rd. For more information, please contact the athletic department at 248-969-5110.