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Smith Leaves Winning Legacy in St. Joseph

By: Justin Sampson

Updated: December 6, 2012

(SAINT JOSEPH, Mo.) You'd have to go back pretty far to see a Missouri Western Men's Basketball game and not find Tom Smith patrolling the sidlines.

That vision will soon be a reality as the longtime head man of the Griffons announced Wednesday morning he'll be stepping away at the end of the season.

Smith was introduced as the third head coach of Missouri Western in April 1988.

"The night I was introduced, I'll never forget," Smith said, "Randy Parlett, who used to do the news, announced that Missouri Western had hired a losing coach. That was a great start. That made me really endure myself to St. Joe."

But he didn't lose.

Smith took what he learned from stints at Central Missouri and Division I Valparaiso and established a winning tradition for the Griffons.

That became a mindset that carried through staff and players alike.

"When it becomes reality, it kind of hits you and fights you a little bit," assistant coach Mike Nicholson said. "But again, to visit with him and to see how he was about the decision kind of energized me kind of made me realize, for him, it's the perfect time and the right decision."

Now, 25 years, nine conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances later, Smith told his 2012 squad they'd be the last he'd coach.

"The first thing we talked about after the meeting in the locker room was how we really want to have a great year for him and do everything for him," senior forward Alex Tuluka-Mfumupembe said.

"I'm ready, number one," Smith said. "But, knowing that, I think I can enjoy this year, and I have so far. I have a wonderful group of guys and I'm really looking forward to it. I just thought it'd be better."

The coach says people may remember him for his 600 career victories, but it's the relationships he's built along the way that he'll look back on the most.

"He's given me freedom as an assistant coach that a lot of assistant coaches don't have," Nicholson said. "I've really enjoyed that and have been blessed to be here with him all those years."

Despite the success, Smith has the future of the program in mind when making his decision.

"This program deserves to be back at the top. Over many years, that's where it's been, but we also live in a 'What have you done for me lately?' world," Smith said. "I'm not saying I couldn't do that, but I think it's time for someone else to do it."

That someone else will have some big shoes to fill trying to carry on the legacy Smith has built in St. Joseph.

"One of the winningest programs in the history of the MIAA," Nicholson said. "Obviously a hall of fame stamp... 600 wins. But, most importantly, all the relationships and friendships he's built throughout the years."

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