They say that continuity within a sports program is the key to building a winner and that statement is very true of the Saint Francis High School football program.
Head coach Jerry Smith has been at Saint Francis for over thirty years and during that time has brought much success to the small private boys school located along Lake Erie. Many games have been won, many players have excelled, and many championships have been captured, but that isn't the reason that Smith continues to bring the same passion to work he did thirty years ago.
Jerry Smith is all about the love of the game. Smith, a very humble man, is the first to give credit to his family, players, and coaching staff for any success that him and/or the team has. Smith, while trying to win football games and prep his players for on field success, also strives for achievements off the football field. Throughout his tenure at St. Francis, he has coached tremendous players such as Zack Kedron, Doug Worthington, Ilio DiPalo, and just recently, Akeel Lynch.
During the 2011 season, the Red Raiders finished with an 8-3 record and another Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Championship. The cornerstone and driving force behind this team was star running back Akeel Lynch. Lynch racked up over 2,220 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged over 210 yards per game. Lynch did that while missing some time with lingering injur
ies which makes the accomplishments all that much more impressive. When asked about Lynch's impact on the team, Coach Smith made sure to address his off the field qualities first saying that "he is one of the hardest workers. He is very polite and humble."
Smith then went on to say that on the football field he provides an incredibly powerful force for the team to use. "Opponents always had nine guys in the box. Akeel always had to make someone miss."
The Monsignor Martin League was highlighted by the two stars of the division, Lynch, and St. Joesph quarterback Chad Kelly. Lynch has verbally committed to play at Boston College while Kelly has committed to Clemson. I asked Smith what he thought of both players and how he thought their games would translate at the next level. "All signs point to both of them having outstanding careers." Smith went on to add about Lynch; "I can speak for Akeel as I coached him directly, if he keeps building a champion from the inside out, believe, think, love and work in all aspects of his life, he will have a great career even if he never plays another down of football."
Smith also said that he's one of the best players he's ever coached... that's not a bad compliment I guess either.
Those are strong and powerful words from a man as respected as Smith. I think that this shows the character that not only Smith has, but what he instills on his football teams. In high school, you're consistently gaining and losing players but keeping a team together with a common goal in mind is something that is evident throughout the Red Raiders program. Smith says it is a "privilege" to coach the kids on his football teams.
If you don't know Jerry Smith, I can tell you that his passion goes way beyond football. I had the privilege of knowing him throughout high school during my time at St. Francis. He told me that for the past
30 years he doesn't refer to his job as "going to work" rather he says its "going to school."
Smith points to his family and coaches for his tremendous success over the years. He has a very close relationship with assistant head coach John Scibetta who has been with him for those thirty plus years at St. Francis. He has never been shy to back down from a challenge. Not only off the field but on it as well. Every year, Smith schedules out of state teams who are highly ranked or are very close to it. Smith says that it may be tough to match-up with schools who have thousands of boys to choose from but they can compete, and have done so quite well over the years.
Family is of the most importance to Smith. He says that his wife Cheryl has been supportive of him throughout the time they have been together. "I must say, Cheryl has been a partner like no other. Coaches wives know they are truly special to enable us to do our fun job... That has given me the confidence to know she has my back and allows me the freedom to do what I do for my kids."
Yes, winning football games is important and building programs is great, but leaving last impacts in young boys' lives and making a difference to those you teach, is the real point of Jerry Smith being at Saint Francis. "I am doing what God has intended me to do at the place he wants me at," said Smith. "What better life is there to live while doing what makes you truly happy."
Well said Coach.
