Wednesday, August 9, 2000

Opportunity to coach football lures Smith from ACU to Wylie
By Michael Wilson
Reporter-News Staff Writer

For new Wylie coach Kelly Smith, things have finally come full circle.

Smith, a former track standout and then assistant track coach at Abilene Christian University, was hired by Wylie as an assistant football, basketball and track coach, allowing Smith to return to the sport he considers his first love.

“I am just ecstatic about this opportunity,” Smith said. “Coach (Hugh) Sandifer has put together a tremendous staff and I am overwhelmed to be a part of it.

“This was really my first love, and I am so glad to be able to work with a football team again. It has always been in the back of my mind to return to high school and get back into football.”

Smith, who began his new duties Monday, was an all-state receiver at Dallas Christian High School. He will coach the secondary and receivers for the Bulldogs. This is a major turn for Smith, who has been an assistant track coach at ACU for the past eight years.

In fact, Smith was even offered a job at Texas Tech University when former ACU track coach Wes Kittley left to take over the Red Raiders’ track team. But as far as Smith was concerned, there was no place like his new home.

“At the time I just wanted to stay in Abilene and with those kids at ACU,” Smith said. “My in-laws lived in town, and I love the city of Abilene, so I couldn’t see myself moving away. That was a step I didn’t feel I was ready to take at that time.”

Smith’s wife Whitney, a coach at Lincoln Middle School, is a graduate of Wylie High School.

Smith ran the 400, the 400 hurdles and was part of two relay teams during his career with the Wildcats. He was also a state champion in the 100 and 200 while in high school.

Now Smith will return to the high school level, where he first started as a coach. After graduating from ACU, he took the head track coaching job at Dallas Christian and stayed two years before returning to Abilene as an assistant at ACU.

Smith is leaving the Wildcat track program just as new head coach Freddie Williams is about to take over. Smith will teach accounting at Wylie in addition to his coaching duties. He will be the freshman basketball coach and an assistant with the track team.

“Everyone has been really nice in helping me get my feet under me,” Smith said. “It is great to be here, and I am really glad to be a part of this program.”

Contact staff writer Michael Wilson at 676-6773 or wilsonjm@abinews.com. We are on the Web at sports.texnews.com.