Although his sudden death shocked and saddened the wrestling world and his students, this obituary of PJ Smith will reflect his lasting impact. The former UNCP wrestling coach, a true North Carolina wrestling icon, died early Monday morning. Paul “PJ” Smith was a highly regarded wrestling coach who was known for his attention, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. Smith began his wrestling career at Enloe High School in Raleigh. He honed his skills at NC State University.
He similarly began his coaching career at Jacksonville High School. After working at Ravenscroft and West Millbrook Jr. High, in 1978 he continued to work at the university. Smith’s distinguished tenure at UNC-Pembroke began in 1981 and spanned 25 years. Smith reportedly had a record of 255-150-3 with the UNCP Braves. The great coach led efforts to keep the UNC-Pembroke program alive in the 1980s and 1990s. Not only did he coach 33 All-Americans and 13 Academic All-Americans, but he also led his team to two top-10 finishes in the NCAA Division II State Tournament.
Obituary of PJ Smith
The wrestling community was devastated to learn of PJ Smith’s passing on November 6, 2023. He was a great advocate for wrestling in North Carolina and beyond. His unexpected death shocked the North Carolina wrestling community and drew several online condolences. His family, friends and athletes he mentors were devastated by the news. OT Johnson, UNCP’s current wrestling coach, said, “UNCP wrestling, UNC Pembroke, Robeson County, North Carolina, the national wrestling community — we lost a good one today.”
However, his achievements went far beyond coaching. Smith was more than just a coach; he was actively engaged in many parts of the wrestling world. He was a longtime board member of NCUSA Wrestling and served as state president for many years. Smith was well known as an official. He has refereed many types of wrestling, including folkstyle, freestyle, Greco-Roman, belt wrestling and beach wrestling.
In 2004, he received the NCHSAA Golden Whistle Award. In 2006, he was also inducted into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame in 2006 and the UNC-Pembroke Hall of Fame in 2015. Finally, Smith served on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and was an outspoken supporter of the organization and its cause.
Legacy outside the box.
Outside of wrestling, PJ was known as a friend and mentor to many wrestlers, referees and coaches. Smith had a talent for creating a sense of community and friendship in the wrestling industry. What set PJ Smith apart was his unwavering commitment to helping others. He was known for providing opportunities to wrestlers from poor backgrounds.
He also gave his house to members of the UNCP athletic community who needed a place to stay. Furthermore, Smith’s influence extended beyond the world of wrestling. He has taught many local youth to swim at the UNCP Swim School. He also recruited people from the wrestling program to work at the camps and helped a number of people become lifeguard certified. In this way, he extended his support and leadership beyond the wrestling ring and into the community as a whole.
Cause of death
Although many in the wrestling world are concerned about the cause of PJ Smith’s death, details have not been released. Regardless, his untimely death surprised everyone, as he was seen publicly at the UNCP HOF ceremony last week. However, as with any tragedy, his death was unexpected, serving as a sad reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: vcmp.edu.vn