Episode 59: Coach Gary Smith (The "System" Part 3)

  Gary Smith began coaching at the University of Redlands, Redlands, California in 1971-72, following a short stint at San Bernardino High School. Since then, he has compiled an overall record of 439-458, gaining his 400th win at the end of the 2002-03 season. Smith, whose teams led Division III in scoring in 1988-89, 1990-91, 1991-92 and 2004-05, has a 439-458 career mark, 221-221 in the SCIAC. Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In conference competition, the Bulldogs have gone 221-221 under his leadership. He guided the men's basketball team to the 1975-76 conference championship, which was the program's first title since Smith's senior season in 1964. His teams captured the crown again in 1981-82, 1984-85 and 1989-90. During the 1984-85 season, the Redlands squad finished third at the NCAA Western Regional. Smith later developed an up-tempo style of play, which led the team to three NCAA Division III National Scoring Championships in 1989, 1991, and 1992. The Bulldogs recently returned to a similar style and recaptured the scoring championship with a record-breaking season average of 132.4 in 2004-05. Another highlight of Smith's career includes hosting Division I Villanova University in the opening game of the 2003-04 season. Despite suffering the 103-114 loss, the Bulldogs welcomed over 1100 fans to Currier Gym for this exciting match-up. Smith also captured Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament Championships in 2003 and 2004, earning back-to-back titles for the first time since 1959 and 1960. "Gary has been a vital part of our department and the university of Redlands for more than 35 years,". "His integrity, passion for young people and unselfishness are exemplary not only to Redlands, but to all of college basketball. As a coach, he has served as a role model, positively influencing the lives of nearly 1000 young men who have played Bulldog basketball during his coaching tenure." Beyond coaching, Smith has served as a professor and chair for the Department of Physical Education, teaching numerous activity and academic courses throughout his tenure. He has served as the advisor to all physical education minors, supervised internships, and taught in the University's first-year seminar program.