7/29/2010 6:00:00 AM Former KHS coach Smith makes Flagstaff Hall of Fame Football coach was Arizona Prep Athlete of the Year in 1975
Ray Smith
Courtesy -- Former KHS football coach Ray Smith made the cover of Arizona Prep magazine when he was named Athlete of the Year in 1975. He coached the Bulldogs from 1983 through 2001 before he resigned in May 2002. Football didn’t remain absent for long, as Smith is now a board member for the Kingman Youth Football League.
KINGMAN - Flagstaff Sports Foundation is inducting its third class into the Flagstaff Hall of Fame, and former Kingman High football Ray Smith has been selected as an inductee.
Smith coached the Bulldogs from 1983-2001 and had a storied career before he came to Kingman. In high school, Smith was named Athlete of the Year in 1975 when he played for Flagstaff Coconino. He was a member of the Panthers' 1973 state basketball championship team and won back-to-back state titles on the football team. He garnered all-state honors in three sports during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.
Smith went on to play for NAU, where he was a member of the Lumberjacks' 1978 Big Sky championship team, the only time NAU has won the title outright.
He still holds two records and or is tied for two other school records at NAU. In 1976, Smith set the single season punt return average at 18.1 yards and averaged 16.0 for his career. He is tied with three others with two returns for touchdowns in 1975 and is also tied with three in a career.
"Anytime records stay a long time, it's pretty neat," Smith said. "I don't think about them much."
The one record that Smith considers important is the 219 kick-off return yards against New Mexico State in 1967 that longtime Kingman coach and educator Jim Fuller still holds.
"Jim Fuller's record intrigues me," Smith said. "We give each other heck back and forth."
The induction ceremony Aug. 3 at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff will place Smith in his second Hall of Fame. He's a member of NAU's Hall with the entire 1978 football team.
"It's something you don't think about, but when it happens, you appreciate it," he said. "It's a real honor. When you play with great people, great things happen."
Phil Cancik, a 10-year Kingman resident and Smith's teammate at NAU, nominated Smith for the honor. Smith and Cancik both played for the Big Sky championship team, and Cancik is No. 4 with 353 career tackles for NAU.
"Ray Smith is the kind of role model you want for all kids," Cancik said. "As a member of the 1978 team, I appreciate that he's being honored in this way."
Smith said he grew up on a ranch and in a family that didn't necessarily aspire to attend college. Athletics drove him down that path, and he feels privileged to have coached after his playing days were over.
"I feel very fortunate about coaching and teaching for 27 years with few days where I didn't want to go to work," he said. "I miss the kids, though. If you can work that long and it's not work, that's pretty cool."
Smith is currently a contractor and a board member for the Kingman Youth Football League.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Article comment by:
Jay Pinsonnault
Congrats Coach. Well deserved
Posted: Friday, August 06, 2010
Article comment by:
Greg Stroud
Congratulations Ray! You certainly deserve the honor. Greg and Pennie
Posted: Friday, July 30, 2010
Article comment by:
Lena Margita
Congrats Coach! You always supported my decisions and let me know that being spirited and tenacious was a great combination. I had many great life experiences because of the opportunities you were brave enough to let me compete for... Thanks.
Posted: Friday, July 30, 2010
Article comment by:
L Kroll
One of my fondest memories of Kingman High School and my days as a Bulldog revolve around playing for Coach Smith. Outstanding coach and outstanding man.
Congratulations Coach Smith!
Posted: Thursday, July 29, 2010
Article comment by:
Michael Vaughn
I had the opportunity to have Ray Smith as my football coach in High School, it was great to have someone with his accomplishments, athletic experience behind you. He was part of my success as a college athlete and professional in life. Congratulations Coach, Much Deserved.
Posted: Thursday, July 29, 2010
Article comment by:
Guillermo Tarango
Proud to know the Legendary Ray Smith. Congratulations my friend!
