1. 1. Coach Mike Smith
2. 2. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Jeff Mize The first word that comes to mind when I think of you is Positivity. You always taught us to have a positive attitude at whatever we did in life.You also instilled in us a work ethic with respect to others that was second to none. I want you to know sir that you really made a huge impact in my life which I now know was always your plan. Thanks for always believing in your players and students. With much respect
3. 3. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Steve Corry Mike Smith A great coach, an even better mentor and man.
4. 4. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Nicole Coach Smith is an absolutely inspirational man. He gave encouragement when we needed to be pushed to be our best, on and off the court. He gave constructive criticism when we couldn't get it just right. Coach Smith made playing basketball fun, but during game time it was "Strictly Business" Thanks for so many great countless moments in my life! Happy 60th Birthday. May you be blessed with many, many more! ya
5. 5. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. LauraWestbrook Ferguson Coach was always smiling... and it was contagious! He always spoke to you even in passing and would ask how your day was. So many memories!! Him cheering us on while we were playing, getting us together to work in Canton and sitting in the office waiving as you pass by.... Coach now and then you and your whole family hold a very special place in my heart!! Happy Birthday Coach!! Warmest thoughts and love!!!
6. 6. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Katy Lyles I will never forget watching Hoosiers every season and how much he loved each one of us. Coach Smith made our team feel like a family and that made me want to work that much harder.
7. 7. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Lance & Heidi Dudley Lance and I remember Coach Smith as coach and as Assistant Principal. He was a big part of all 4 years of our high school life! It's not a specific story or memory we have, as much as it is a feeling we get when we think of him.As we walked the halls at Lindale High he always made us feel like he truly cared about us! His kind words and big smile are how we'll always think of him!! Happy Birthday Coach Smith!!!
8. 8. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Trikena Porter Coach Smith, He is an amazing person. He showed all players love no matter what, off the court and on the court.The one thing that has always stayed with me. One day we had to play a game in Grand Saline and Christy Edmond and I did not want to go. It was a lot of prejudice in that town. He made us get off the bus at a gas station and ask for directions to the school. He told us if anyone showed any prejudice towards us we would get back on the bus and head back to Lindale. I knew right then he cared.That has stuck with me for life. Happy bday to one of the greatest man on earth. I love you and the entire Smith family.
9. 9. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Miller (aka Kamilla) Coach Smith, I can't even sum up all that comes to mind when I think of you. You will always be a favorite of mine! I love you like family and I felt the same in return from you (except when you left me at a gas station in the middle of nowhere)!You always believed in me, and when that much faith is shown in a human being much can be accomplished whether in basketball or life.We fall but we get right back up. I love you always!
10. 10. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Gwynn &HerschelTipton Mike, Happy 60th! We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the great role model you were for our boys during their teenage years.God gave you a very special talent as a coach and a friend to young people .You have a wonderful way of looking for the best in each kid and giving them the confidence to do their best.May God give you many more birthdays!!! Love you!
11. 11. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Alicia Crawford, M.Ed. The most important lesson you ever taught me was it's not about what is on the scoreboard when the time runs out, what matters is the difference you make in the lives of the young adults you are coaching, to do what is right and let the wins and losses take care of themselves. I approach everyday on my job with the mentality to go make a positive difference in someone's life, as you have in mine. Thank you Coach Smith. Alicia Crawford, M.Ed. Head Softball Coach MathTeacher McKinney High School
12. 12. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Shane Neely Coach Smith, You have been a special friend to me since the first time I met you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Remember "DOWN GOES MINEOLA". Have a great birthday. Love you man.
13. 13. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Jenny Lane & Dean Darr Happy 60th Birthday to a man with one of the greatest smiles on the planet! Best wishes!
14. 14. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Don Dunn Buck, Thanks for having such a positive impact on me and my life. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot of life lessons playing basketball and golf for you. I learned a lot about working hard, competing, and striving for excellence; traits I still use every day. But some of the best memories I have were of us chunking top water lures at Henry's. Fun Times! I hope you have a great 60th birthday!
15. 15. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. The Scot Burlesons Family Coach Happy Birthday!! ThankYou for all the great memories and lessons. Now it's my turn to pass it on. I hope you and your family have a blessed day. We love you!
16. 16. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. LaTorianTucker I want you to say this... One or two lines my butt you can't just say one or two lines about this wonderful man. Coach Smith is one of the greatest coaches I know.This man was not just a coach to me but being around him daily he was like a father. Coach Smith this is one thing I have never forgotten, you fought for me to be able to go further in life and even though my mom said no you still went to battle for me and I will never forget that. With that being said I love you more than you know and thank you for everything you did for me.
17. 17. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Jessica Donaldson Both playing under and watching you coach always seemed to make me fall more in love with the sport I played and watched! The dedication, love and respect that you showed your players and the sport will always be one of your greatest attributes! Nothing beat the hug and look in your eyes that you gave us when you were proud of us.
18. 18. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Casey Neal Thanks for the memories and the encouragement! Casey Neal Principal Lindale HS "Anything is possible if a person believes"
19. 19. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. AngieGriffin COACH MIKE SMITH UWERE AND STILLARETHE GREATEST BASKETBALLCOACH EVERTO HAVE COACHED.THE FIRSTTHINGTHAT I REMEMBERAND ITHINK EVERYONE ELSETO. ISTHATWHEN U USETO JUMP UP AND DOWNANDYELL MY NAMEANGIEANGIE EVERYONE I MESSED UP.... LOL LOL...AND I REMEMBERWHENWE PLAYED AGAINSTGRAPEVINEAND I HIT 6 THREE POINTSAND UYELL ED MY NAMEWHEN I MADETHE FIRST ONE BUT UTOLD METOO KEEP SHOOTINGAND MY HIGH SCORE WAS ITHINK 30 SOMETHING POINTS.. IWANTTO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAYTO U AND I LOVE U...
20. 20. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Lori Malone I was about 15 or 16 years old and Coach Smith gave me a compliment about something and like the teenage brat that I was I did not say thank you. I immediately received a "life lesson" talk and although he didn't get angry or yell at me, he made it clear that it's important to say thank you, no matter who it is or what it's regarding. I never forgot that and I immediately took that to heart. I can't remember any plays we ever ran and I honestly barely remember the games we played . . . but I always say thank you.
21. 21. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Krista Pyland Lay HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY!!! Scott and I hope that you have a wonderful birthday full of family, friends, laughs and great memories. We both have so many awesome memories with you. I personally appreciate your guidance, wisdom, passion and energy during my younger years. You were a really big influence in my life, as a coach and as a "second dad". The time and effort you put into us girls everyday was surely "exhausting" but you continued to push us to be better and you loved us even more each day. I hope that I can be a great parent and friend to others just like you have been and that you are today! Hope you have a great birthday! LOVEYOU!!!
22. 22. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. HankWilson (Lindale class of 1988) Thanks Mike for all of the things that you taught me. You taught me so much about basketball, but more importantly about life. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, and passed away while I was in high school. Mike, you and Jan were always there for me, and I guess helped raise me.You taught me the kind of man, friend, and father that I want to be.Thank you. Happy Birthday from the Wilson Family! We love you!
23. 23. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Gilbert Rodriguez Coach Smith was there for me during a very tragic point in my life. I will never forget that. ThanksCoach for being there for me as well as many other kids.
24. 24. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Brady Brewer Coach helped to teach us the meaning of integrity, morals and the importance of helping others Look at Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it He is a blessing to so many including me. Happy 60th birthday Brady, Kathryn and family
25. 25. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. QuinnTedder Thank you for being a wonderful coach, mentor, and friend Happy 60th Birthday Coach Smith! Love, Quinn & Danny
26. 26. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Heather Brown Nash Coach Smith: Thanks for all the wonderful memories for class of 1994. WOW! 20 years ago. You inspired many of us "athletes" to be best.....You truly are and wonderful coach and glad to be a part of the memories. Happy 60th.
27. 27. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Heath and Lori Cook Mike, Of many great memories that you have been a part of, my favorite memory would be the night fishing trips to Lake Fork: arguing about who would buy dinner, many discussions about life lessons and Brady's love for the smell of "roses". Happy 60th Birthday!! We love you!! Heath, Lori, Bailey and Riley
28. 28. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Linda,Craig, & Stacy Hamm Happy 60th Birthday!!! I can't believe you are that old!! Hope you have many more wonderful birthdays!! Miss you & your sweet family!! Happy Birthday Love, The Ham Family
29. 29. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. KindiWilliams Hutchens 95 Happy Birthday, Coach Smith!! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you and your family. I always enjoyed playing for you, but I didnt fully appreciate your hard work, enthusiasm and caring heart until I had my own team to coach. I begin to get a small glimpse into what a truly great man and coach you REALLY were and are. I am also grateful to your family for sharing you and welcoming us into their lives as well. Jan Smith is a great example of a coaches wife. I hope you have a fantastic birthday, thank you for growing my love for basketball, but more importantly for your Godly example and care you have shown all your players! Also, so glad I got to be part of Building a Tradition in Lindale Girls Basketball! Jon, Kindi, Liz (11), Will (9)& Ella (5)
30. 30. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Melissa Price Happiest of days to an amazing man. Coach Mike Smith was always smiling and had a way of making you feel special whether in a big game or just a small crowded hallway. Thank you for being a part of my life and finding potential in me not only as a player but as a person. May you have many more days and touch many more hearts. Happy Birthday!
31. 31. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. John Hobbs Mike gave me my first job and the reason I teach and coach today is because of the example he set every day of making a difference in some kids life.
32. 32. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Lyle Payne Hey Coach! Happy 60th. Hope you have a great birthday with your friends and family. I'll never forget bringing home Lindale's first team state championship trophy. We had a great year and one I'll always remember.We had a lot of fun and you were always very supportive and a great encourager. Thanks for your help and dedication.We couldn't have done it without you. God Bless!
33. 33. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Brad Bryant Happy 60th B-Day I hope you still look as young as we do. You always did look like one of the players on the team. Thanks for being such a good friend for all of these years!
34. 34. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Newby Coach Smith I cannot think about Canton High School without remembering fondly times we spent in locker rooms, huddles or back out at your house. Having a bunch of kids over was nothing small and you and your wife made it look easy and made us feel welcome. I remember us being pretty good sprinkled with a little eagle magic but don't recall our records, what I do recall is a basketball coach I know loved me and wanted us to be the best we could, and encouraged us to work hard and to put our trust in each other. I remember a few nights stopping by to just talk too! Life was going on during all that basketball and you took time to know us off the court. Cannot believe how life has flown since then, those little girls of yours are grown and we have kids of our own!! I so enjoyed your years at Canton Coach and the impact you had on my life in such a short time. I hope today is special for you and wish you 60 more! Happy Birthday Coach!
35. 35. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. KyleWright Coach Smith had a tremendous impact on me as a kid. I played for Coach Smith in Little Dribblers. He was always so energetic and enthusiastic. His competitive nature was obvious to me in how intense he coached us, so I naturally loved him. The thing that stuck with me most about Coach was after the season when I would go the high school where my mom worked, Coach Smith would take the time to talk to a little kid who wasn't part of his campus or responsibilities as a high school administrator. He would flash that big smile, high five or hug me, and ask how things were going and genuinely mean it. He made me feel important and that I wanted him to be proud of me. I tried to emulate these things when I started coaching. Make my players work hard and compete, but also let them know more importantly that I cared about them. I had the good fortune to coach Jordan, his grandson, and see Coach at our games. As always he would flash that smile and hug me or high five me, and I as always was hoping to make him proud of me. He has a gift with people that so few have. I appreciate and love Coach very much! Happy birthday Coach Smith.
36. 36. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Kelsey Moss Strawn "Even after 18 years, you still feel like family. My kids and husband even think of you the same! That says it all to me right there! Thank you for the constant encouragement! Happy 60th. We love you!
37. 37. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Brandie Lampin (Kline) Hey Coach, this is Brandie Lampin (Kline) just wanted to say happy Birthday and thanks for all the memories. I will always remember what you taught us in basketball and till this day I use those techniques when I coach youth basketball. Could use some new plays, lol... Anyway, thanks so much... Happy Birthday!
38. 38. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. HaileyWater Happy Birthday Coach Smith! I will always cherish the times I had playing for you! Hope the big 60 is the best yet! Love to you, and your sweet family! Love, HaileyWaters and family!
39. 39. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. LaManda Burris Mallard "Don't let Jenny Bland score on her right side drive to the basket and don't foul." I didn't. Coach Smith's directive was precise but more importantly filled with confidence. It allowed me to let go of thoughts associated with losing and winning and just focus on a task. As an adult this strategy continues to help lead my life. His masterful words not only led us to beat Carthage and on to a district championship but continue to shape who I am.
40. 40. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Matt Smith Thank you so much Coach Smith for all your mentoring and coaching. Happy 60th birthday!
41. 41. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Lacie Lester Here we are! Lacie,Cable, and Taiya flying in SE Alaska. Have a wonderful birthday! Lace
42. 42. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Kristina Hastings Coach Smith, there is not enough space on this page to properly describe how much you and your family have meant to me and my family through the years.You will never truly know how much your guidance has meant to me in my life. We love you and wish you a very happy 60th birthday.
43. 43. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. DamonGriffin Coach Smith, thanks for pushing us young men to the point we have never been before. It was that that made us the men we are today. Happy Birthday!
44. 44. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Jon Heard Happy Birthday Mike I have- so many memories reminded of the time you hooked me in the back of the head with a fishing hook and then he had to cut it out! I will never let you live that one down. Or how I use to kick your butt playing one on one basketball until we were both bleeding.
45. 45. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Bubba McCoy Coach checked my attitude... if he didn't I think I would have been in bad situation... I love him for that... and he also coached the all time assist leader in lindale....cause I played with pat mahomes:-) ...if I went to his side...u wasn't getting it back... lol...happy day coach...I appreciate u.
46. 46. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Stephen"BuckShipley The first thing that comes to mind when I think back on Coach Smith is caring and loving. No doubt he was one of the best coaches ever but he was loving and caring in a era when coaches still thought you had to yell and scream and degrade kids to get the most out of them. He didn't and that's what made him special and why I think his players would play their hardest for him. He made me feel like I was special and each player like they were his favorite (even though we all knew Pat was). In my short career in coaching not only did I learn from coach how to teach kids the "Hobbs press" but how to treat kids with respect and get the most out of them by loving on them and not " beating them down". Anyway, I could go on and on but just know we love u and have a happy birthday.
47. 47. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Ashley From my first experience under your coaching which was off season basketball my freshman year, I knew I wanted to be apart of your team! You drove me to be the best at whatever I did in life from working at First Monday to keeping the books for your basketball team! By the way, we had some great talks on the way to Canton!! Although I wasn't one of your "players," I still got to be apart of your great team! One of my fondest memories was the talk on the way to the state playoffs!!! I learned about the word 'tenacious' and strived to just that-determined in every endeavor life threw my way! Because of you I got to chase my dreams and I will be forever grateful for all that you taught me on and off the court! Love you coach!
48. 48. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Shane Happy 60th birthday Mike. You have been a great influence on me and have coached me through quite a few moments in my life. More than you will ever really know. Hey, you remember the time you coached me up on how to dunk?
49. 49. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Pat Mahomes To my pops my hero my coach who taught me it was ok to dream and believe in myself.Who gave me the confidence to recognize my dream. I love you and wish u a happy bday and know that u changed my life forever. I was a shy boy in 86 when I met you.Two years later I left a man.Ty for everything. You were the reason why. What a leader and mentor. The world is a better place bc of you.
50. 50. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Mica All my life, I have had the opportunity to watch you lead young people with compassion and encouragement.You saw a potential in them that they may not have every recognized.What an amazing example you have been for me as I lead and teach the young people in my own life. I love you. Happy Birthday!
51. 51. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Aaron M Smith Dad, Coach, Where do I begin? Watching you coach in Canton, between my bleacher naps, you teaching me how to swing a golf club as a child or our big win together when we knocked off Sargent under their famous Friday night lights?The one play that taught me so much has to be the separated elbow.Your comment, while funny now, is what drives me to know that no adversity in life is too painful to press on and accomplish a dream. You have been an unbelievable Coach to so many players through the years and continue to amaze me at how you capture their hearts just like you do your own children.You have shown me by example that hard work, dedication and love for people are what it takes to be truly successful. Congratulations on your recent 500th Win, I'm glad I could be apart of something and someone so special. Happy 60th birthday! I love you.
52. 52. A coach effects eternity he can never tell where his influence stops. Mandi My all time favorite coach and MY DADDY. It was an absolute honor and blessing to have you as my coach.Your passion, dedication and enthusiasm to touch the lives of every single one of your students and players is truly amazing. I am PROUD of you! Thank you for teaching me. Angle of Incident = Angle of Reflection (rebounding) How to figure % (when I hear the word percent I ALWAYS think of free throws) To get along as an entire team or you would not let us out of a locker room after halftime when we were 280 miles from home. If we still didnt get along we would get a book written about us. Team Unity andTeamwork Hard work and Determination pay off. to do more for others than they would ever do for me. to do "Whatever itTakes to keep my head up to suck it up" to always "Helpem up to Defend whats mine to dive and fight for whats mine and hold onto it to leave it all on the floor to know when its 4th qtr to know when to Give Up.NEVER! all of these things have come into play in my life since I last walked off the court as your Point Guard But most of all.Thank you for teaching me to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY WITH ALL OF MY HEART! I REALLY LOVEYOU!