While his sudden passing shocked and saddened the wrestling world as well as his students, this obituary of PJ Smith will reflect on his lasting impact. The former UNCP Wrestling Coach, a true icon of North Carolina wrestling, passed away early Monday morning. Paul “PJ” Smith is a highly regarded wrestling coach who is noted for his attention, enthusiasm and commitment to the sport. Smith began his wrestling career at Enloe High School in Raleigh. He improved his abilities at NC State University.
Likewise, he started his coaching career at Jacksonville High School. After working at Ravenscroft and West Millbrook Jr. High School, he went on to coach the university in 1978. Smith’s celebrated work at UNC-Pembroke began in 1981 and lasted 25 years. Smith reportedly had a 255-150-3 record with the UNCP Braves. This great coach led the effort to sustain the UNC-Pembroke program in the 1980s and 1990s. He not only coached 33 All-Americans and 13 Academic All-Americans but also guided the team earned two top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division II national tournament.
PJ Smith’s obituary
The wrestling community was heartbroken to learn of the death of PJ Smith on November 6, 2023. He was a great supporter of wrestling in North Carolina and beyond. His unexpected death shocked the North Carolina wrestling community and generated many condolences online. His family, friends and the athletes he coached were all shocked by this news. OT Johnson, current UNCP wrestling coach, said, “UNP wrestling, UNC Pembroke, Robeson County, North Carolina, the wrestling community across the country – we lost a great match today.”
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However, his achievements go beyond coaching. Smith is not simply a coach; he has been actively involved in many places in the wrestling world. He was a longtime board member of NCUSA Wrestling and served as State President for many years. Smith was famous as a bureaucrat. He ran many forms of wrestling, including folk wrestling, freestyle, Greco-Roman, belt wrestling, and beach wrestling.
In 2004, he received the NCHSAA Golden Buzzer Award. In 2006, he was also inducted into the North Carolina 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 serves on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and is a openly support the organization and its goals.
A legacy beyond the tapestry.
Outside of wrestling, PJ is also known for being a close friend and mentor to many wrestlers, referees, and coaches. Smith has a talent for creating a sense of community and camaraderie within the wrestling industry. What makes PJ Smith stand out is his steadfast dedication to helping others. He is noted for creating opportunities for wrestlers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also gave his home to members of the UNCP Athletics community who needed a place to stay. Furthermore, Smith’s impact extended beyond the world of wrestling. He taught swimming to many local youth at the UNCP swimming school. He also hired people from the wrestling program to work at the camps and assisted a large number of certified lifeguards. In this way, he extended his support and guidance beyond the wrestling ring and into the entire community.
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Cause of death
Although many in the wrestling world are concerned about the cause of PJ Smith’s death, details have not yet been released. Regardless, his early death surprised everyone as he had just been seen publicly last week at the UNCP HOF ceremony. However, as with any tragedy, his death was unexpected, serving as a sad reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable.
Let the article source PJ Smith Obituary: How Did He Die? Wrestling Coach Cause Of Death Explore of website nyse.edu.vn
Categories: Biography