While his sudden passing has shocked and saddened the wrestling world and his students, this PJ Smith obituary will reflect his lasting impact. Former UNCP Wrestling Coach, a true icon of North Carolina wrestling, passed away early Monday morning. Paul “PJ” Smith is a famous wrestling coach known for his care, passion and commitment to the sport. Smith began his wrestling career at Enloe High School in Raleigh. He improved his abilities at NC State University.
Likewise, he began his coaching career at Jacksonville High School. After working at Ravenscroft and West Millbrook Jr. High, he moved on to college coaching in 1978. Smith’s distinguished tenure at UNC-Pembroke began in 1981 and spanned 25 years. Smith reportedly has a 255-150-3 record with the UNCP Braves. The great coach led efforts to preserve the UNC-Pembroke program in the 1980s and 1990s. He not only coached 33 All-Americans and 13 Academic All-Americans but also guided his teams to two top-10 finishes in the NCAA Division II national championships.
PJ Smith’s obituary
The wrestling community was saddened to learn of PJ Smith’s passing on November 6, 2023. He was a great advocate for wrestling in North Carolina and beyond. His unexpected death shocked the North Carolina wrestling community and generated several online condolences. His family, friends, and the athletes he coached were devastated by the news. OT Johnson, current UNCP wrestling coach, said, “UNCP wrestling, UNC Pembroke, Robeson County, North Carolina, the wrestling community nationally – we lost big today.”
However, his achievements go beyond coaching. Smith is more than just a coach; he is actively involved in many parts of the wrestling world. He is a longtime board member of NCUSA Wrestling and served as State Chairman for several years. Smith is famous as an officer. He officiated many types of wrestling, including folkstyle, freestyle, greco-roman, belt, and beach wrestling.
In 2004, he received the NCHSAA Golden Whistle Award. In 2006, he was also inducted into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame in 2006 and the UNC-Pembroke Hall of Fame in 2015. Finally, Smith serves on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and is a vocal supporter of the organization and its goals.
Legacy Beyond the Mat.
Apart from wrestling, PJ is known as a friend and mentor to many wrestlers, referees and coaches. Smith has a knack for creating a sense of community and camaraderie in the wrestling industry. What sets PJ Smith apart is his steadfast dedication to helping others. He is known for giving opportunities to wrestlers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also gave his home to members of the UNCP Athletics community in need of shelter. Furthermore, Smith’s impact extends beyond the world of wrestling. He taught many local youngsters to swim at the UNCP swim school. He also employed people from the wrestling program to work at the camp and helped a large number of people to become certified rescuers. In this way, he extends his support and guidance beyond the wrestling ring and to the community as a whole.
Cause of death
While many in the wrestling world are concerned about the cause of PJ Smith’s death, details have not been made public. Regardless, his untimely death surprised everyone, as he was only seen publicly last week at the UNCP HOF ceremony. However, like any tragedy, his death was unexpected, a sad reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
