Friday May 30, 2025
Episode 78: Coach Randy Smith & Breaking News
This week on TSSR, South Point alum and former South Point & Green track coach Randy Smith joins Jim and Ryan to reflect on his coaching career, athletes he's had the pleasure of helping, and more!
Also, Jim and Ryan breakdown the news about Portsmouth formally announcing their departure from the Ohio Valley Conference and joining the Southern Ohio Conference in the fall of 2027.
Visit Tri-State Sports Page's official site at www.tristatesportspage.com for local game coverage, game photos, extra articles and more!
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Also available on Spotify and now Podchaser!
3 months ago
It also should be noted that while that 1982 team was not going to be denied the OVC championship, Coach Smith told us that Fairland’s coach was on record as saying that there was no way South Point would win the OVC meet championship because them SP ”boys” always choke. Well, he may have had a valid point from a historical perspective, (based on South Point’s 15 past second place finishes and 19 year championship drought), but we left no doubt - there would be no choking nor would there be team even close to us that day!
3 months ago
Great interview with a great coaching legend of southern Ohio. I was a bit dismayed though that almost no homage was paid to the 1982 SPHS track team’s accomplishments that significantly springboarded his coaching trajectory. That year, led by Chris Pierce, Sean Miller, Calvin Coleman, Aaron Jackson, Dennis Pennington, and Tex Rickard, South Point ended a 19 year OVC conference championship drought (that included 15 years of second place finishes) by destroying Mike Whitley’s Fairland team and the entire field by running away with an unchallenged OVC championship. Early in that historic season, this great team crushed the preciously considered dynastic Ironton Tigers in a head to head dual meet on Ironton’s home track. That humbling thumping that was served to the Jimmy Morris and Dennis Bacon crew set the tone for a truly great breakout year for South Point track. I am proud that I was part of that team and also to have competed under Coach Smith’s leadership. Yes, all the great performances in subsequent years were legendary but it is also fair to mention the 1982 team’s accomplishments and significance to the sprouting and evolution of a track and field powerhouse that SP track came to be. Thanks Coach Smith - I hope you are well and that you get to the remaining 2 wonders of the world.