@MIZ_TrackField Elevates Stephen Smith to Assistant Coach
8/1/2017 3:06:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track and Field, Women's Cross Country, Women's Track and Field, Track & Field, Cross Country
Smith first joined the Mizzou Track & Field team as a student manager in 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – After six years of hard work and dedication directed towards the Mizzou Track & Field program, head coach Brett Halter has promoted recruiting coordinator Stephen Smith to an assistant coaching position, effective immediately. In his new position, Smith will continue to spearhead the Mizzou recruiting efforts while also contributing to the daily workings of the mid-distance and distance runners on the cross country and track & field teams.
"I speak for the entire staff and team to say we are thrilled to announce Stephen's promotion to a full-time coach," said Halter. "He's been an indispensable part of our staff for years, beginning as an undergraduate student manager, then being promoted to head manager and again to director of operations while pursuing a master's degree. He's a True Son. One would be hard pressed to find anyone who shares his knowledge and passion for the University of Missouri. Stephen is a tremendous ambassador for the program and the university. We look forward to him continuing his innovative insight in his new role."
"Stephen has worked tirelessly in many different capacities during his time at Mizzou," cross country head coach and track and field assistant coach Marc Burns said. "He has earned his stripes and we look forward to seeing him continue his great work as a full-time member of our staff. I am excited to have him stand alongside me this fall working with our cross country team."
After spending three years as a student manager, Smith officially joined the coaching staff as the director of operations while still completing his undergraduate degree during the 2014-15 season. Smith held the same position during the 2015-16 season before being transitioning to recruiting coordinator prior to the 2016-17 campaign. Under Smith's guidance, Mizzou has enjoyed an enormous increase in interest from prospective student-athletes. Between superb official visits, detailed scouting reports, and constant communication with student-athletes through weekly mailings and messages, Smith has helped elevate Mizzou's recruiting efforts to a level comparable to its SEC-counterparts.
"I am honored to be given the opportunity to join the Mizzou coaching staff," said Smith. "I have always been appreciative of Coach Halter and his mentorship throughout my time with the program. It truly is an exciting time to be a Tiger. I look forward to continuing to recruit the best possible student-athletes who will help us complete our goals of winning championships and developing leaders beyond the athletic field."
A vital contributor to the program's effectiveness, Smith will also continue to the serve as Mizzou's camp and meet director for all home events, collegiate and high school. Smith is a two-time University of Missouri alum, earning his B.S. in Business Administration in May 2015, and his M.A. in Education and Positive Psychology in May 2016.
For all the latest on Mizzou Track & Field, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (MIZ_TrackField).
