Press Release
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Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Mary Ann Paz PERA Division Dean/Athletic Director (209) 954-5176 mpaz@deltacollege.edu |
Delta College Dedicates the “Merv Smith Track Complex”
San Joaquin Delta College honored its distinguished long time track & field coach, Merv Smith, with the dedication of its new state-of-the-art Olympic caliber “Merv Smith Track Complex” on Friday, March 5. The ceremony took place at Delta’s recently renovated Measure L Bond stadium/track venue. Delta’s “Merv Smith Relays” track meet followed the dedication.
Merv Smith was the head cross country and track & field coach at Delta College from 1970-97.
Mr. Smith has roots in the Central Valley as a multi-sport star at Modesto High and Modesto JC. He attended San Jose State on a football scholarship and competed as a decathlete. His decathlon experiences, along with a Master’s in Clinical Sports Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, served him well during his coaching career.
Coach Smith’s career started as a graduate assistant at San Jose State under former Olympic Coach, Lloyd “Bud” Winter. In 1965, his San Jose State Cross Country Team took 5th place at the NCAA Championship. As head cross country and track coach at Yuba College, his teams took three championships from 1967-70.
Coach Smith’s 27-year career at Delta College started in 1970. Colleagues took note of Merv’s enthusiasm and commitment. Predictably, numerous achievements and championships followed. But over his long career, championships are not what Merv Smith reflects on most. “My interaction with coaches and athletes, both professionally and personally, are the most gratifying experiences of my life,” says Merv.
“The Merv Smith Track Complex is one of the best facilities in the California Community College System,” says Delta’s Athletic Director, Mary Ann Paz. “We are honored to name it after Coach Smith. Merv touched many lives over the past 50 years, leaving the fondest memories and experiences with those in his acquaintance.”
Merv Smith’s quest for knowledge as a track and field coach continues to this day. In retirement, Merv continues to coach. This is Merv Smith’s 50th year in coaching...and he's not done yet! He uses his dual Master’s in Counseling and Clinical Sports Psychology to inspire and assist the development of athletes at Darby High School in Montana.
Dr. Raul Rodriguez, Superintendent/President of San Joaquin Delta College, says, “We honor Merv Smith for his devotion to Delta College, and his gift of knowledge to student-athletes, staff and friends over a long successful career. With our new track facilities, Delta College is poised to be at the forefront of a revitalization in track and field. We hope to recapture the spirit and success that were hallmarks of Merv Smith’s teams. Please join us as we dedicate this new addition to our Stockton Campus.”
A Partial List of Coach Merv Smith’s Honors and Achievements:
- 7 Cross Country League Championships
- 4 Northern California Cross Country Championships
- 3 Northern California Track Championships
- 15 State Individual Champions
- 1 Junior International Champion in the Steeple Chase
- Consultant for the St. Thomas Olympic Track Team.
- Establishment of numerous running camps, featuring famous coaches.
- Was instrumental in drafting the first Track & Community College Athletic
“Code of Conduct” for California. - Meet Director: 4 Track Nor Cal Championships
- Active member of the California Community College Track & Field Coaches Association for 13 years.
Merv Smith acknowledges applause from Delta’s trustees, dignitaries, staff and crowd
at the "Merv Smith Track Complex" dedication ceremony.
Merv Smith cuts the ribbon at the dedication ceremony.
Left to Right: Former Delta College Athletic Directors Ernie Marcopulos & Gary Scott, Merv Smith,
current Delta Athletic Director Mary Ann Paz, and Merv's wife, Joan.
Delta College's Merv Smith Track Complex
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