8  THE BETHLEHEM STAR, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 UNC Coaching legend Dean Smith passes away at 83 CHAPEL HILL – For- coach of the Tar Heels from cord of 879-254. He set the coaches’ polls each year three years as an assistant mer University of North 1961 to 1997, retiring as the record for winning more from 1981-89. Smith’s basketball coach under Bob Carolina head men’s bas- winningest coach in college games than any Division I teams finished the season Spear and one year each as ketball coach Dean Smith basketball. He led the Tar men’s coach in history, sur- ranked No. 1 in at least one head and head golf died Saturday evening in Heels to national champi- passing Kentucky’s Adolph of the two major polls four coach at the Chapel Hill. He was 83 onships in 1982 and 1993, to Rupp with his 877th victory times (1982, 1984, 1993 and Air Force Academy. In 1958, years old. 13 ACC Tournament titles, over Colorado in the 1997 1994). Frank McGuire hired him “Coach Dean Smith 11 Final Fours, and an NIT NCAA Tournament. He fin- His teams were the dom- as an assistant coach at passed away peacefully the championship, and direct- ished his career by leading inant force in the ACC, post- Carolina. Smith served as evening of February 7 at his ed the United States Olym- UNC to the Final Four in ing a record of 364-136 in an assistant under McGuire home in Chapel Hill, and pic Team to a gold medal at four of his final seven sea- ACC regular-season play, a for three years before Mc- surrounded by his wife and the 1976 Summer Games. sons. winning percentage of .728. Guire resigned to become five children,” the Smith ESPN’s SportsCentury Under Smith, the Tar The Tar Heels finished at of the NBA’s family said in a statement. program selected Smith as Heels won at least 20 games least third in the ACC regu- Philadelphia Warriors in “We are grateful for all the one of the seven greatest for 27 straight years and 30 lar-season standings for 33 the summer of 1961. At that thoughts and prayers, and coaches of the 20th Century of his final 31. No coach in successive seasons. In that time, Carolina Chancellor appreciate the continued with , Bear history had ever produced time, Carolina finished first William Aycock tapped the respect for our privacy as Bryant, George Halas, that many consecutive 20- 17 times, second 11 times 30-year-old Smith to be- arrangements are made Vince Lombardi, John Mc- win seasons. and third five times. come UNC’s head coach. COACH DEAN SMITH available to the public. Graw and . Carolina was ranked His teams played in 11 Smith shared his knowl- Thank you.” In 36 seasons at UNC, in the final Top 10 of both Final Fours, second in num- edge of the game with a tal- Smith was the head Smith’s teams had a re- the and ber only to Wooden, who ented group of assistants. ningest coach in the history had 12. Smith’s teams made Many of them went on to of the NCAA Tournament 23 consecutive appear- head coaching jobs, includ- with 65 victories. In 36 ACC Coach Smith’s legacy reaches as far as Taylorsville ances in the NCAA Tourna- ing , Roy Wil- Tournaments, he had a ment. In his last 31 years, liams, , Kenny coaching record of 58-23, a (Editor’s note: Alexander Central Bas- Smith led the Tar Heels Rosemond, , winning percentage of .716. ketball Coach Ed Wills was a manager into the NCAA Tournament Randy Wiel and Bill Guth- Smith, who played for for Coach Dean Smith during the 1993 27 times. Carolina reached ridge. the legendary at National Championship season at Cha- Kansas in the early 1950s, is pel Hill. Coach Wills took time this week- the Sweet 16 of NCAA play In Smith’s 36-year ten- each season from 1981-93. ure, more than 50 of his one of only two men to both end to reflect on Coach Smith’s impres- play on and coach an NCAA sion on his life on and off the basketball That 13-year streak is the players went on to play pro second-longest in Tourna- basketball in the NBA or championship team. Smith court.) was a member of the Jay- Last night Coach Dean Smith passed ment history to a 14-year ABA and more played in hawk squad that won col- away at his home with his family at his stretch by UCLA from 1967 other professional leagues lege basketball’s top prize side. That was the report that I first re- to 1980. both in the United States in 1952. is the ceived Sunday morning via text. Soon se- and overseas. after that my phone began blowing up lected Smith as the Sports- Six of Smith’s players other person to accomplish as news spread. I spent my day sharing man of the Year in 1997; he won rookie of the year the feat. memories and shedding tears with friends received the awards in either the NBA After taking Carolina to and other members of the Carolina bas- Award for Courage at the or ABA, including Charles the NCAA championship ketball family. I had been preparing for annual ESPY Awards. Scott, Robert McAdoo, game in 1977, Smith was the news the past couple of months, but In 2013, Smith received Walter Davis, , named National Coach of was not ready for it to come. the Presidential Medal of and Vince the Year by the NABC. He When you meet someone whom you Freedom, an award that his Carter. McAdoo and Jor- received similar honors have admired from afar, you are often dis- wife, Linnea, accepted on dan won MVP honors in the from the U.S. Basketball appointed in what you find. In the case his behalf from President NBA and Writers Association and of Coach Smith, nothing could be farther 1993 TITLE SEASON - Coach Dean at a White was the MVP in the ABA. Basketball Weekly in 1979 from the truth. I watched Coach Smith Smith is pictured above during the 1993 House ceremony. Three of his players –Cun- and from Medalist in 1982. and North Carolina basketball from my NCAA title season. ACHS Coach Ed Smith was inducted into ningham, He was named the Nai- bedroom in Bethel, Vermont, dreaming of Wills, a manager on the team, is pictured smith National Coach of learning the game of basketball from him. the Naismith Memorial and Jordan – were named in the bottom left corner. Basketball Hall of Fame to the NBA’s Greatest 50 the Year in 1993 after lead- He is the reason I wanted to go to Caroli- ing the Tar Heels to the na- na, and I worked hard through high school in 1983 and is also a mem- Players. Those three plus ber of the the FIBA Hall of Larry Brown and McAdoo tional crown. to fulfill that goal. I arrived in Chapel Hill with the desire to work in his storied program, and In 1993, the Atlantic he made that dream a reality. He did not have to give me a chance, there were plenty of oth- Fame, the North Carolina also are in the Naismith Coast Sportswriters As- ers who were probably as deserving and certainly more connected than I was, but he and Bill Sports Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame. sociation named Smith the Guthridge saw something in me, and for that I am forever grateful. Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Smith coached student- ACC Coach of the Year, an Where do you start to talk about Coach Smith? Most people know about his 879 wins, 11 and the athletes who went on to be- Final Four’s, 17 ACC Regular Season Championships, 13 ACC Tournament Championships, Hall of Fame. In 2006, he come doctors, lawyers and honor he received on seven and 2 National Championships. Over the past couple of days, people have been reminded was named to the inaugu- businessmen. Better than other occasions as well— about him recruiting the first African-American player in ACC history, his work to end segre- ral class of the National 95 percent of his lettermen 1967, 1968, 1971, 1976, 1977, gation in Chapel Hill, and his influence on Carolina legends like Michael Jordan, Phil Ford, Collegiate Basketball Hall earned their degrees. 1979 and 1988. and . What many people do not know about is the impact he had on people of Fame along with James Smith retired as the win- like Ed Wills. Naismith, Oscar Robert- Dean Smith was the man I want to be. A man whose moral compass led his life and who son, and John was never afraid to do what he felt was right, no matter how unpopular it might be. He often Wooden. talked about the fact that we should never expect or desire praise for simply doing what is Smith also became the right. When he was praised for his work in the Civil Rights movement, he deflected it by first recipient of the Men- saying what he did was no big deal. He was the most humble man I have ever known, run- tor Award for Lifetime ning from praise, but never responsibility. This was never more evident than after a Carolina 828-324-0051 Achievement, given by the game. He believed that the victories always belonged to his players, and he always accepted COUNTRY TOWN responsibility for the losses. His loyalty to his players is unmatched and the Carolina basket- University of North Caro- ball family is a reciprocation of that loyalty to him and each other. He not only talked to us lina Committee on Teach- about doing the right thing, he set an example of it everyday. ing Awards for “a broader It is easy for coaches to love great players and take care of them because of the impor- range of teaching beyond TIRE & AUTO SERVICES CENTER tance they play in the success of their program. What makes Coach Smith different is that the classroom.” he treated me like I was the most important player. Any benefit or privilege that players Born February 28, 1931, 125 8th St. Dr. SE were given were also given to managers. He treated us just like he treated the players. He in Emporia, Kan., Dean Ed- (LR Blvd.) Hickory had high expectations for me and held me accountable for my mistakes just like he did Eric wards Smith grew up as the Montross and . He challenged me to be better than I had ever been before son of public school teach- Complete Auto Service and to expect more of myself. He changed my belief in what I was capable of accomplishing. ers. He graduated from I never wanted to make a mistake, not because of what he might say, but because I never Topeka High School in 1949 wanted to let him down. and went to the University I was fortunate to be a part of one of Coach Smith’s National Championship teams. When of Kansas on an academic we arrived in , our players were focused on winning the championship, not for scholarship. He played var- WE MAKE EVERY VACATION themselves, but for Coach Smith. He had been criticized for only winning one championship sity basketball and baseball and we wanted to change that, but he never put winning first. Before we left the locker room and freshman football for A CELEBRATION . . . for the National Finals he said to us, “We would love to win this game, but remember, no mat- the Jayhawks. He was a ter what happens tonight, the sun will still come up in the morning and there are millions member of Jayhawk bas- of people around the world who will not have enough to eat.” He always reminded us that ketball teams that won the basketball was just a game. NCAA title in 1952 and fin- I will never forget this moment at the end of the National Championship game. I ran over and hugged Coach Smith and thanked him for letting me be a part of it; he turned and said, ished second in 1953. ‘we never could have done it without you.’ In the moment for him to cherish this accomplish- Smith was an assistant coach at Kansas to Phog 1463 2nd St. NE ment he took the time to recognize my contribution, no matter how small it might have been. Hickory, NC 28601 There was no player, manager, secretary, or person involved in the Carolina basketball pro- Allen and , and gram whose contribution he did not recognize, appreciate, and acknowledge. The amazing served in the U.S. Air Force Mary S. McRary Dina Snipes fact is that this did not end when you left Chapel Hill. Every December a Christmas card with as a lieutenant. While in [email protected] [email protected] a personal note would arrive in the mail, when our daughter was born a note with a box of the service, he played and 828-345-5000 or 828-345-5006 Carolina gear arrived for her, and when I got my first head coaching job and win a call came coached basketball in Ger- from Coach Smith. No matter how busy he was, he always remembered. many. Smith served for www.travelcenterofhickory.com Coach Smith, thanks for believing in me and caring about me. You made me a better person by the lessons you taught me and the example you set for me. There is not a single day that passes that I do not think of you and Carolina basketball. I am a coach today because of you. You not only taught me the game of basketball, but more impor- tantly, you taught me how to succeed in life. Each day I try to live up to the expectations that you set for me and represent you and the Carolina family in a way that would make you proud. When people watch my team play, I hope they see some of you. That is the greatest compliment that I could ever receive. I love you Coach Smith, and I will do my PPIZZA?IZZA? best everyday to ensure that your legacy is carried on. “There’s A Location Near You!” PIZZA PARLOR VILLAGE INN PIZZA VILLAGE INN OF 90 Liledoun Rd. MORGANTON Taylorsville, NC 28681 1016 Burkemont Ave. Bethlehem Friends of Library set book sale 828-632-9217 Morganton, NC 28655 828-437-1515 DAILY Book lovers of all ages: Thursday, March 19, are ing books for the sale and VILLAGE INN OF BETHLEHEM VILLAGE INN PIZZA #2 SPECIALS mark your calendar for arranged for those who are then purchasing low cost, 9467 NC Hwy 197 the Fifth Annual Friends members of the Bethlehem current books. West Park Shopping Center MONDAY Hickory, NC 28601 3233 Taylorsville Rd. of the Library used book or Taylorsville Friends of Proceeds from the sale 828-495-8467 Kids Night-Kids Buffet sale on March 19-21. The the Library. Those hours will be used to support lit- Statesville, NC 28677 Drink not included. (ages 11 & under) VILLAGE INN PIZZA #1 704-873-1101 $ sale is sponsored by the are 9-12 noon. Individuals eracy by enhancing servic- 2467 Springs Rd NE 1.99 Bethlehem Friends of the who purchase a Friends es for children and adults Hickory, NC 28601 VILLAGE INN PIZZA #1 TUESDAY Library and the sale will be membership at the time of at the Bethlehem Branch 828-328-3010 1503 Cinema Drive Senior Night held in the Bethlehem Fire sale can take advantage of Library. VILLAGE INN PIZZA #2 Statesville, NC 28625 Senior Buffet and Drink & Rescue Department, those special hours, as well Special thanks to Viewmont 704-873-0256 $5.99 7373 NC Highway 127, in as book dealers for a $25 the Bethlehem Fire 1021 2nd St. NE Bethlehem. donation to the Friends. Department for use of their VILLAGE INN OF WEDNESDAY Hickory, NC 28601 MOORESVILLE Donations are current- Regular book sale hours facilities. 828-322-2929 539-M East Plaza Dr. Wing Night ly being sought for gently are Thursday, March 19, Current Friends offi- Enjoy Wings on the Buffet for VILLAGE INN PIZZA Mooresville, NC 28115 $ used books. Such items can noon to 6:00 p.m., Friday, cers include Sandy Moore, 1234 Morganton Blvd. 704-799-3330 8.99 be taken to the Bethlehem March 20, 9:00 a.m. to President; Janie McCall, Lenoir, NC 28645 THURSDAY Branch Library, 45 Rink 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, Vice President; Barb 828-758-8900 VILLAGE INN PIZZA #2 Dam Road or call the March 21, 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Beck, Treasurer; and Mkt. Place Shopping Center College Night VILLAGE INN OF 2138 Statesville Blvd. FREE Drink with College ID library office at 828-495- Reasonable prices on all Margo Mosley, Secretary. NORTH WILKESBORO 8753. Items that cannot be items with special bargains Friends’ one year member- Salisbury, NC 28144 FRIDAY 1922 West Park Dr. 704-633-4561 accepted are encyclope- available on Saturday. ships can be purchased at N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 $3.00 OFF any 1 Large dias, magazines, Reader’s Bethlehem Friends the library prior to the sale 336-667-1912 To-Go Pizza of your choice Digest condensed books, members encourage the or at the sale. Membership or books that are badly public to use this sale as an is $10 for individuals, $15 for DAILY LUNCH & DINNER BUFFETS! worn and water damaged. opportunity to keep books family and $8 for seniors. Special hours on out of the landfill by donat- www.villageinnpizza.com