Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Brett Smith, now residing in North Canton, was one of the finest all-around athletes to ever wear Heidelberg colors before graduating in 1976
A native of Centerville and a graduate of Shawnee High School in Springfield, Smith was a standout in football, wrestling, and track at The 'Berg.
Lettering three years in football, he served as the team co-captain in 1975. He was honored as a first team All-OAC selection at defensive tackle and played in the "All-Ohio Shrine Bowl Game" during 1975. He was also honorable mention All-American Division III.
During the 1975 season, he posted 60 primary and 18 assisted tackles, as well as 11 big plays.
He was a member of the 1972 Stagg Bowl Champion team.
He lettered four years in wrestling and was the co-captain of the team in 1976. He finished as the OAC tournament runner-up in 1975 and 1976 and was a NCAA Division III national qualifier after placing fourth in 1974.
A member of Excelsior Men's Society, Smith also earned a letter his freshman year in track in the pole vault.
During his career at Shawnee High School, Smith was a three-year letter winner in football, earning first team All-League honors his junior and senior seasons.
A co-captain for two years in wrestling, he earned three varsity letters and was first team All-League three years while winning the sectional championship and district runner-up. He was Shawnee's first state qualifier and holds career and season records at the school for pins, takedowns, wins, and team points.
From Heidelberg, he went to Rootstown High School for four years as an instructor, head wrestling and track and assistant football coach, dean of students, and assistant principal.
Smith moved to Portage Lakes Career Center from 1989 through 1995 where he was principal and received the Outstanding Educator Award in 1995.
(This profile appeared in the 1998 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)Â
