08/21/2018
I wanted to take the time here today to announce my retirement from coaching track and field at Andale High School and thanks everyone! Here is the letter that will appear in the Clarion this week that explains.... It's been a great 25 years!
To the Editor:
Thank You!
When I started coaching track here at Andale High School in 1993, I never dreamed I would end up as head coach, much less have a run like this! Eight state championships, 22 regional championships, and 27 league championships seems surreal to me. I would like to thank this great school district for giving me the opportunity to come back to my school and be an assistant coach for 10 years and head coach for the last 15 years. Also, I would like to thank the parents and the community for allowing me to coach your kids; it has truly been an honor and a privilege.
As you have probably realized, I am announcing my retirement from coaching. It has been a long and thought out decision, and one that is best for the time. The reason? None other than this: A parent gets limited opportunities to see their kids compete, if you miss a competition, it is gone forever. My youngest daughter, Abby, will run at Wichita State this year, and to continue coaching at Andale, I would have to miss some of her competitions.
I also want to thank my beautiful wife Janelle, who took on the burden of raising five young kids into adults while I chased my coaching dream. The 70 hour weeks had to be tough on her, and I appreciate her patience and love and support through it all.
The success we have had in the last 15 years can be attributed to many things, but three come to mind more than any other: First, we have great kids from great families that don’t mind working hard. Andale has always had that, and it was a big reason I wanted to come back to the school I graduated from. Second, we have great assistant coaches. I always say, “I’ve got the best coaching staff in the state”. Every meet I go to, I walk around and see our kids getting constant, high quality coaching from passionate and dedicated coaches, many of whom did track in college. Third, we have great numbers…not many schools can take 40 kids to the state track meet, or 60 kids to a regular meet. When you keep score, and points are awarded, putting three kids (which is the limit) in every event and three relays (the limit) is a great advantage.
I want to thank the administration, boosters, and booster clubs that I’ve had over the years. Fred Spexarth took a chance on me many years ago when he hired me, and the guidance and support that I got from him (and still get from him) will not be forgotten. The boosters, and the booster club, have been great, whenever my budget ran out or we needed a new matt, pole, runway, shed, etc., they were always there to lend a hand, or take the lead, to get it done.
As I look back at Andale Track and Field, I see a lifetime of memories. Running as a high schooler for Paul Schmidt was some of the best times of my life. Paul continues to coach and was the mentor that shaped my coaching career. As a coach, I’ve gotten to coach all five of my kids here, which is so special to me. The friendships and relationships will be life lasting. The championships are forever, and I am reminded of that every morning when I drive by the sign on the highway, and walk into the school where the pictures hang.
I would not be stepping aside if I felt like I was leaving the program in a lurch… quite the contrary. One of the main goals that we have worked so hard to accomplish has been realized…we have one of the best track programs in the state. I am quite sure the program will continue to prosper, with many more championships to come, and will continue be led by the best coaching staff in the state.
I’ve always told all my outgoing seniors, “Once and Indian, always an Indian”. Win, lose, or draw, I’ve always been proud to be an Indian! I will continue to be a huge fan of all the kids and activities and will continue to teach social studies. Thanks for everything, Indian Community!
God Bless,
Greg Smarsh
