Hall of Fame
Chris Smith excelled as a defensive back and punt returner in four seasons as a member of the Grove City College football program from 1968 to 1971.
A four-year starter at safety during an era in run-oriented offenses dominated the college football landscape, Smith intercepted a Grove City-record 22 passes during his career.
He led Grove City in interceptions in each of his four seasons.
Smith tied the single-season Grove City record with seven interceptions as a freshman in 1968. His three thefts in that year's season-ending 10-7 win over Bethany set a single-game program record.
After sharing the team lead with four interceptions in 1969, Smith became the program's all-time leader in that category with five interceptions during his junior season. He then intercepted six passes as a senior in 1971.
The Massillon (Ohio) Perry High School product also set a program record by returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown October 24, 1970 in a 27-8 victory over Geneva. That stood as a Grove City record for 16 seasons and ranks as the fourth-longest punt return in program history upon induction.
Smith returned to Grove City College in 1979 as assistant football and assistant track and field coach. During his 36 years in the College's athletic department, he served as head football coach, athletic director and head men's and women's golf coach.
The Grove City football program won its first two Presidents' Athletic Conference titles under his guidance while the athletic department swept the conference's men's and women's All-Sports Trophies four times during his term as athletic director.
