In the press box
By Staff
Kim West
Below is the first in a series of interviews with high school school coaches in Franklin County. This installment of "In the press box" features Vina head football coach Bill Smith.
FCT: Where did you go to high school and college?
Smith: Russellville and UNA (Universitiy of North Alabama)
FCT: How long have you been coaching in Alabama?
Smith: 33 years
FCT: What type of books do you enjoy the most?
Smith: I don't do as much book reading as reading the newspapers.
FCT: Is there a particular moment that stands out the most since you've been at Vina?
Smith: Three years ago, with the kids that started this program with me, we were 5-5 and had a chance to be in the playoffs, but it didn't work out that way.
FCT: Is it difficult to coach against former players?
Smith: It's always good to coach against your kids, and I get to do that quite often. Every coach tries to prepare their teams to win – it doesn't matter who's on the other side. I think there's more pressure on them to win against me, and I'm sure they'd like to win a game against me. But to me, they'll always be my boys, and that's special.
FCT: What role do coaches and parents play in college recruiting? Should recruiting services be a part of that?
Smith: I know there are recruiting services that are good for some kids. Most of the colleges are going to find all the good players, anyway. A recruiting service can help kids on the bubble. I know people make their living doing that, and it's not for me to say they shouldn't be. Any way a kid can get school paid for, I'm 100 percent behind. As coaches we do what we can, but the kid has to play at a level that's going to be seen by a college recruiter.
FCT: How has your coaching philosophy changed since you first became a coach?
Smith: My philosophy has changed because times have changed, and kids change. I'm not sure some of these kids could take what I used to do. The whole game has changed, and the pads and kids have gotten a bigger. I can remember watching the (University of) Alabama playing 200- pound linemen … if you put a 200-pound player on the line now, you'd be laughed at. When I started, size 11 was a big foot. Even the 140-pound kids wear size 11 now.
FCT: How much longer do you want to coach?
Smith: I would like to do it until I can't anymore. I still enjoy it, so when I get to where I'm not having butterflies on game night, that's when I'll hang it up. I've been a manager, a player, or a coach ever since I was in fifth grade.
