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| Wednesday, July 16 |
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| Coach of the Week presented by ESPN.com By Robert Slager SchoolSports.com | |||
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Emmett Smith - Jesuit High, Boys - Swimming Around New Orleans, Emmett Smith isn't a football star for the Dallas Cowboys. He's a swimming coach - one of the best around - at Jesuit High (La.). And now, just a few days removed from marrying his longtime girlfriend Nadalie, the 28-year-old Smith is ready to resume his quest to lead Jesuit to its 14th straight state title. Emmett and Nadalie will have to wait until after the season to enjoy a much-deserved vacation. Hubby still has some unfinished business in his second season as head coach. "We've been blessed," says Smith. "There's always been a commitment at this school, from both the coaches and the swimmers, to make Jesuit swimming something extra special. When you're at a school that-s 153 years old, there's a pride and tradition that you just have to live up to." The expectations, however, could crush even the most hardened coach. When you've won 13 straight state titles, anything short of No. 14 would be a disappointment. "We understand what we're up against," says Smith. "(Seniors) Leon Cannizzaro, Myles Jaymes and Jared Strecker, along with (junior) Nathan Stibrich and (sophomore) Alton Smith, all have to come through for us. But I think the key for us winning state are the other guys who make up the nucleus, the guys who score points and add depth. Everybody has good swimmers at the top. We produce a good, full team every year." That-s not false bravado, either. Smith has seen it first-hand. He was a member of three straight state champion teams at Jesuit in the late 1980s. After attending Florida State on a swimming scholarship, Smith returned home as an assistant coach for several seasons. Now his fingerprints are all over the program. He is a self-described "old-school" coach, capable of projecting his displeasure when he doesn't see a full effort. "The only way you're ever going to improve is through hard work," says Smith. "Yes, I'm tough on them. But most have that spirit inside of them already. It doesn't come from me. There's a great deal of pride in this school already." Smith and his new bride haven't yet decided where they-ll head for their honeymoon. Nadalie teaches second grade at St. Paul's Episcopal, so she's not quite ready to leave yet, either. "There are still a few details to be worked out," says Smith with a laugh. They better pack a lot. Honeymoons can last a long time.
Material from SchoolSports.com.Visit their web site at www.schoolsports.com | |
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