1st & 10 with Nick Smith

Nick Smith was a five-year member of the Pitt State football program from 2001-05, lettering his final three seasons as a reserve quarterback and defensive back for the Gorillas.  A Pittsburg native, Smith completed 22 of 27 (.815) career passes for 392 yards and one touchdown after battling injuries early in his career.  Additionally, Smith was a three-time member of the MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.  He graduated from PSU with a bachelor’s degree in geography before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

1.    What does being a Pitt State Gorilla mean to you?

“I always felt like being a gorilla was very similar to being a US Marine — in the sense that you were a part of a special fraternity of people that no one else really understands.  I don’t know who created the family-like environment at the school, but it’s a special place.”

2. PSU, undoubtedly, has an extra special place in your heart, Nick, considering the legacy your family has left and is still leaving on campus. Your father, Coach Chuck Smith of St. Mary’s Colgan football fame, played football here, as well as your younger brother Mark, who now coaches here.  On top of that, your two brothers Jeff and Chas are still playing for the Gorillas. What is it that makes Pittsburg State such a special place for a student-athlete, and what is enjoyable about the experience for the families of our student-athletes?

“Pitt State provides an atmosphere for a young athlete that no other place in division II can provide.  If it is not a top 25 Division I school, it will not have a better Saturday afternoon feel than Pitt State. I remember feeling bulletproof when we walked through Gorilla Village, and I’m glad my brothers were able to have that experience. I wish all young men got the chance to have that feeling.  I hope the fans can keep it that way.”

3.    Can you tell us about a memorable experience or moment with a community member (or other non-football related person) that had a special impact on you while you were in school here?

“My professors at Pitt State were top-notch people. Dr. Steve Harmon wrote one of my letters of recommendation that got me into law school. I enjoyed going to listen to him and Dr. Zagorski discuss international issues at the student center. I hope those kinds of debates still go on because that is what democracy and higher education is all about.

Dr. Tim Bailey and his wife, Dr. Katherine Hooey, are personal friends of mine and run the best educational department at Pittsburg State University.  They, along with Michelle Barnaby, were very influential in my awareness of issues inside and outside of America.

Also, to all the boosters who allowed me to go to school on a football scholarship–  I wish my football career was more productive, but injuries slowed me down on the gridiron.  I hope I did you proud in the service, and I will continue to give my best in law school.  I hope I can do the same for future Gorillas someday.

Last, but certainly not least, Brad Wells (might insert his title here) for making sure that the athletes are always taken care of.”

4.    What is something about the school that has changed since when you played here? Do you think it’s a good thing?  Are there any other major changes that particularly stick out in your mind, good or bad?

“Pitt State just keeps improving its campus every chance they get, and I think that is a great thing.  Since I left they have added the Student Rec center where students who aren’t athletes can go workout, play intramural sports, and stay away from the hectic Weede complex.  They also added sky boxes on the west side of the stadium and the Jungletron. When I came back to watch the Gorillas two years ago, I was very impressed with the new additions to Carnie Smith Stadium and the rest of the campus, and I hope we keep going in that direction.

As far as uniforms go, I like the white pants.  Even though we lost the game, I liked the white on white look against Northwest. I also think we should get the stripe back on the helmet.  It worked in the early 90’s and I think it’s time to bring it back.”

5.    We know that you have followed a very challenging career path for the last five years.  Would you tell us about decision to enter the US Marine Corps after graduating from PSU and also if you feel that your time here in the program helped prepare you for that experience?

“Football and the United States Marine Corps are very similar.  It’s all about teamwork, mental toughness, and hard work.  I was in charge of 50 Marines when I got out of Officer Course a year after graduating from Pitt State.  I planned a combat mission just like Coach Beck would plan for an opposing defense.  I worked out so I could make good decisions when I was tired, just like we did during February workouts at Pitt State.  I planned training by the minute, just like Coach Broyles ran practice period by period.  There is no doubt in my mind that Pitt State Football trained me to lead my Marines for the past four years.”

6.    We’ve heard a couple of stories from your time stationed at the US Marine Corps base in Hawaii.  Supposedly, you drove your Jeep around the island with a split face Gorilla license plate and it was actually noticed by another Marine that was a former PSU student.  Also, you had the experience of a lifetime playing basketball on base one day.  Would you tell us a little about those experiences?

“The split face Gorilla license plate story took place in Washington DC.  I was in Officer Basic Course in 2006 and someone pulled up beside me and asked me if I went to Pitt State. After saying yes, they asked me what I thought about the new quarterback.  I told them that the new QB was the real deal.  His name happened to be Mark Smith, so maybe I was a little biased.  I also ran into Gorilla fans on Waikiki Beach on numerous occasions and shared stories about Pittsburg, Kansas.

Playing basketball with President Obama was a cool experience. I won’t tell you the results of the game, because it may hurt him in the next election if I told you what the score was! On the serious side, he was very down to earth, and it was fun to talk to him before I went to Iraq for a second time.”

7.    You experienced some great years of Gorilla football playing under Coach Broyles and have experienced first-hand the proud tradition at Pitt State.  How do you think Coach Beck is doing/will do carrying on that tradition now and in the future?

“I was lucky to play for Coach Broyles.  He was hard on us but always ran the program with a family type atmosphere.  As for right now, Coach Beck is the right man for the job.  I know he will win games and more importantly, he will send quality young men into the world after they are done playing.  We are in good hands with Coach Beck calling the shots. He could be at the Division I level if he wanted to be. We are lucky.”

8. Without a doubt you have memories of many of your teammates.  Can you think of a couple on-field memories of any of them that you’ll never forget?

“Elliot Austin bending his facemask after hitting a player from Central is one. I felt bad for the opponent, because I know what it’s like on kickoff return and having giants like Elliot run at you full speed.  Also, anytime Joe Taylor got the chance to run the ball or catch a pass was a treat for me. We were high school teammates, and I loved watching him perform on Saturday.”

9. If you could pass some wisdom on to current and future Gorillas what would it be?

“Bust your butt in the classroom. I tore my knee and broke my foot and finally realized that football was not going to be the way I made a living.  You never know what you will want to do later in life. I went to the Marine Corps because of the war, but when my time ended, I wanted to practice law. I’m glad that I had a wake up call early in my college career and started to hit the books.

Also take these three classes at Pitt State if possible. All taught by three of the best professors Pitt State has.

1) Introduction to Research Writing from Dr. Donald Judd

2) Dance Appreciation from Janice Jewett

3) Camping and Outdoor Education from Dr. Scott Gorman”

10. Lastly, if you can think of just one, what was your single favorite moment while playing at PSU?

“Playing football with my brother Mark.  Mark and I backed up Andy (Majors) my senior year.  Mark is my all-time favorite football player and I enjoyed getting to be his teammate one more time before I left for the Marines.  Also, playing for the Division II National Championship my junior year would have to be a close second.”

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