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HEAD COACH CHRIS SMITH
A 1972 Grove City College graduate, Smith is the dean of the Presidents' Athletic Conference football coaches. He is also the all-time wins leader in the 118-year history of Grove City football. Smith guided Grove City to back-to-back winning seasons in 2008 and 2009, along with a 4-2 mark in the rugged PAC in 2009. The 2010 squad overcame numerous injuries to finish 5-5, including victories over rivals Geneva, Thiel and Westminster. Numerous Grove City players have earned national and regional acclaim during his tenure. In 2005, safety Aaron Margo earned First Team All-America from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and represented the U.S. in the Aztec Bowl. In 2007, center Matt Gregg became Grove City's third Aztec Bowl participant this decade. In 2010, tackle Pete Polesnak represented the United States in the Bowl of the Stars, the Aztec Bowl's successor, while nose tackle Jarred Frawley participated in the 2011 Bowl of the Stars. Under Smith's direction, the Wolverine program ascended into the national picture with consecutive PAC championships in 1997 and 1998. Grove City also recorded runner-up finishes in both 1999 and 2000. During that time, Smith guided an offensive juggernaut that featured record-setting fullback R.J. Bowers, who became the first college running back to eclipse the 7,000-yard mark for his career. In 1997, Smith led the Wolverines to their first-ever PAC championship and first nine-win season in program history. Grove City capped the season by hosting the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the ECAC Southwest Bowl. For his efforts that season, the American Football Coaches Association, the Metropolitan New York Writers Association and the PAC all honored Smith as their Coach of the Year. In 1995, Smith earned the Tri-State Officials Association's Coach of the Year award. Overall, Smith has coached seven players who have attained All-American status as well as countless others who have earned ECAC and PAC recognition through the years. The Wolverines' on-field success has been matched by success in the classroom. Over the past two decades, numerous Grove City players have received recognition both regionally and nationally for their academic performances. Grove City's four CoSIDA Academic All-District selections in 2005 set a new program record. Grove City again matched that standard in 2006. In 2008, linebacker Adam Eichler and guard Dave Salera both earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors following the season. Eichler, Salera and wide receiver Stephen Mercer all earned Academic All-District recognition in 2008. A highly-respected member of the coaching community, Smith is actively involved on the American Football Coaches Association Division III Football Council. He is also a past member of the NCAA Division III Football Committee, which supervises the NCAA Division III playoffs. Smith ascended to the head coaching position at Grove City in 1984 after spending five years as an assistant at the College. Prior to joining the Grove City football staff in 1979, Smith coached the outside linebackers at Western Kentucky University.
Smith's coaching career began at Perry High School in his hometown of
Massillon, Ohio. As a player, Smith started at safety for the Wolverines from 1968-71. He led the team in interceptions three times and holds Grove City's career record for interceptions with 22. Over his 37 years as a player, assistant coach and head coach at Grove City, Smith has been involved in 350 games. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Grove City. Their daughter Ellie is a 2003 Grove City College graduate. Go back to Wolverine Football Home Page |
Chris
Smith is in his 29th season as Grove City College's head football coach.