David Smith joins Hesperia coaching staff
There’s a new coach in Panther Country. David Smith who led the Bulldogs of Ravenna on the gridiron from 2010-2017 has taken the football helm at Hesperia, ending a search that began when Doug Bolles stepped down in early January. The committee assigned to hire a new coach released this statement over the weekend. “The committee was impressed with David's resume at Ravenna which included several deep runs in the MHSAA playoffs and the fact that he is an educator first. David’s small town roots at Ravenna also impressed the committee which made him a natural fit at Hesperia. We were blessed with a deep pool of applicants with three having had head coaching experience. We could not have gone wrong with either finalist to be the next head coach but our task was to identify the absolute best person for our students. We feel like we found that in David Smith. “ Smith’s postseason resume includes being part of two state championships as a player and posting 6 tournament wins as a coach including a run to the semis during his first season mentoring the Bulldogs. A playoff win remains elusive to the Panthers. In 8 appearances they have yet to move past the 10th game. Smith has taught Physical Education at Ravenna the past 11 years. He and his wife Rhonda have two boys, Elijah and Mason and live in Bailey. With 8 years of experience coaching in the always rugged West Michigan Conference the new Hesperia head coach will face a new slate of teams on the schedule when the Panthers compete in the CSAA Silver this fall. But that looks to change. If preliminary discussions come to fruition Hesperia would find themselves in one of the two WMC Divisions proposed for 2022. Coach Smith would face familiar foes with Shelby, Hart, Mason County Central, and North Muskegon on the schedule. And one more team from the WMC. Ravenna. We caught up with the new Panther sideline mentor for a few questions. N3- Coaching , as you undoubtedly know, can be pretty all consuming. After 8 years at the helm in your alma mater Ravenna you stepped down. When did you start getting the itch to get back on the varsity sidelines. Coach Smith-The itch never went away the first time. Family and other factors were the reason I stepped down. N3-Coming from a program accustomed to winning, what can you bring to your current team from that experience? CS-The hard work and determination that teams need to be successful. N3-What are the key elements to a program’s success? How do you measure success? Coach S-I measure success from getting the best out of your players and staff. N3-What are the biggest challenges a new coach faces? Coach S- Not knowing the kids and what will make them successful right now, but that will come with time. N3-Successful teams are built from the youth programs. Have you been in touch with any of the coaches at the younger levels in Hesperia? Coach S- Not yet, it’s on the list. N3-Have you decided on any assistants? Coach S.- I have some, but am still rounding it out. N3- What words would you have for the Hesperia players, students, fans and families? Coach S- Be ready for an exciting and fun chapter of Hesperia football. August 27 The Panthers are scheduled to open their season facing the Rangers of Manton.
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