May 11, 2008

Malone College athletic director and head men's basketball coach Hal Smith will step down as the College's AD but continue on as basketball coach, the College's administration.

Smith, who has served as the College's athletic director for the past 21 years (since 1987), will officially step down as the AD on June 30.  He will continue to be the Pioneer's head men's basketball coach, a position he has held for the past 25 years, having arrived at Malone in the summer of 1983.

Under Smith's leadership as athletic director, the number of intercollegiate sports that the College has offered has increased from 14 to 18, as Malone has added softball (1992), football (1993), women's soccer (1997) and women's golf (2000) under his tenure.  In the 1989-90 year, Malone athletics earned its highest overall ranking in the NAIA All-Sports Standings with a national runner-up finish.

Smith will look to continue to improve upon his 25-year Malone basketball win total, which currently stands at 485.  His overall collegiate win total (in 35 seasons) is 659, which currently ranks sixth in number of wins among all active NAIA men's basketball coaches.
                   

"It's been a great ride as athletic director," said Smith.  "I've had the opportunity to work with outstanding coaches and athletes and have always felt that my job was to help each coach be as successful as they could be.  I'm extremely proud of our athletic department and the successes they have experienced.  Many athletes' lives have been impacted greatly through athletics at Malone."