Lisbon's Smith earns national coaching honor

It must feel like old times for Brad Smith.The Hall of Fame prep wrestling coach came back to the springboard of his career last season after more than two decades away.Interestingly, Smith's return led to the same national recognition he received toward the end of his first tenure with the Lisbon Lions. Smith was named National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Wrestling Coach of the Year on June 26.Smith, 59, received the award during a four-day convention in Des Moines. Smith was one of eight finalists for the award in 1991 and 2004, and was named USA Wrestling's National Coach of the Year in 1990."Third time's a charm," Smith said with a laugh. "I've been in it a long time."He said he enjoyed the experience and was surrounded by talented coaches. He said he learned from the speeches by others in attendance."I've been doing this quite a while and had some success," Smith said. "I think I earned it."According to a news release, the award is based on overall coach record, professional honors and contribution to the sport. Few have Smith's credentials.Smith has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including by the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame.Smith will begin his 36th year as a prep coach, including 15 at Lisbon over two stints. He guided the Lions to 10 state titles from 1978-91. He took over the Iowa City High program, guiding the Little Hawks to five state titles in 21 seasons. Smith ranks third in Iowa history in dual wins, entering last season with 477.He has coached 42 individual state champions, including freshman Carter Happel, who won the Class 1A 120-pound title in February. Smith has had 125 state medalists and 225 state qualifiers in his career.The honor was more of a career award, according to Smith, but it seemed fitting to receive it as a Lisbon Lion."It's neat going back to Lisbon and getting that recognition," Smith said. "It speaks well of Lisbon and the community."Smith's work out of the season has been as beneficial as the work during the winter. He is preparing for a trip to Fort Dodge to work with wrestlers before the Junior Nationals in Fargo, N.D."I learn stuff working with kids in the offseason as well as I do in-season," said Smith, noting the summer contributions of Iowa City West's Mark Reiland, City High's Cory Connell, who wrestled for and succeeded Smith, and SE Polk's Jason Christensen. "If I didn't have a passion like I do for wrestling, I'd be an in-season coach and that's not what it takes to be successful. You have to put the time in just like the wrestlers. It goes both ways."The goal was for Smith to resurrect a program that he helped elevate to national prominence. The Lions have had their successes over the years, but haven't reached the dominance under Smith and his predecessor Al Baxter.Participation numbers and talent are promising in upcoming seasons. Smith still has the fire and doesn't expect it to die out in the near future."As long as I am able to stay active as much as I am right now, I'll continue to coach," Smith said.