Mike Smith (running coach)

Mike Smith
Biographical details
Born (1980-04-03) April 3, 1980 (age 44)[1]
Alma materGeorgetown University
Playing career
1994–1998Wachusett Regional High School Mountaineers
1998–2000James Madison Dukes
2000–2002Georgetown Hoyas
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2006–2012Team Run Flagstaff
2012–2016Georgetown Hoyas
2016–presentNorthern Arizona Lumberjacks
Born
Michael Smith
SpouseRachel Schneider

Mike Smith (born April 3, 1980) is an American coach who has been the director of cross country and track and field at Northern Arizona University since 2017.[2] As the head coach of the men's and women's programs, he has led the men's teams to five NCAA Division I men's cross country championships titles.[3]

Smith has been credited with establishing a running dynasty at Northern Arizona. His coaching philosophy involves emphasizing "executing a great team race" at championships rather than focusing on the final outcome.[4][5]

  1. ^ Mike Smith at World Athletics
  2. ^ "Michael Smith". NAU Athletics. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Michael Smith". Cronkite News. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  4. ^ Hamilton, Brian. "Mystery in the aspens: How did a running dynasty take root in Flagstaff?". The Athletic. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  5. ^ "Coach Mike Smith Defining The Mindset And Culture Of The NAU Cross Country Dynasty". CITIUS MAG. Retrieved 2024-05-10.