University of Toledo Athletics

Vern Smith served as UT athletics director for nearly 16 years (1971-86). His vision of growth made him a valuable asset to The University of Toledo's athletic programs. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw the construction of UT's outdoor all weather track facility, two renovations of the Glass Bowl, and the 1976 construction of Centennial Hall (later renamed John F. Savage Hall). He also established the Rocket Club, one of the largest fund raisers for the UT athletic department. In 1986, at the culmination of his term, UT was second only to the Ohio State University in statewide basketball and football season ticket sales. During his administration, Smith was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Council, the NCAA governing body. He also served as chairman of the NCAA All-Star High School Committee, the NCAAA Committee on Committees, and was on the executive committee of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA). A Toledo native, Smith's competitive drive made him a star football player for Waite High School. After receiving a Purple Heart in World War II, Smith graduated from Bowling Green State University and went on to receive a master's of education degree from The University of Toledo. He spent nine years as dean of boys and football coach at Toledo Whitmer High School. His coaching career was cut short as he became the assistant athletics director for the Rockets one year later. Smith left UT in 1969 to take a job as the Toledo welfare director, but returned to the University two years later to assume the athletics director position. During his administration, UT won a total of 11 MAC titles in football, basketball, tennis, wrestling and softball. Smith's induction to the UT Hall of Fame is his third. He became a member of the NACDA Hall of Fame in 1988, and was inducted into the Toledo City League Hall of Fame in 1989. The Vern Smith Award is given annually to the MAC's top football player. He died in 1994 at the age of 70.