One final honor for the state’s winningest coach

The Oregon City community dedicates ‘Brad Smith Court’

By John Denny

The Clackamas Review, Jan 13, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

John Lariviere / Oregon City News

Former Oregon City High School girls basketball coach Brad Smith heads for center court for a ceremonial jump ball prior to Friday night's game with Clackamas. The community honored Smith on Friday for his years of service by dedicating the high school's main basketball floor as "Brad Smith Court."

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OREGON CITY – Last Friday was a huge day for former Oregon City High School girls basketball coach Brad Smith.

The Oregon City community showed its appreciation for his contributions to the area’s youth by dedicating the main basketball court at Oregon City High School as “Brad Smith Court.”

The dedication took place in advance of Friday’s varsity game with Clackamas.

Smith retired at the end of the 2005-06 season as the winningest coach in Oregon high school girls basketball history, with a 626-93 record over 27 seasons.

Smith’s teams never finished worse than third in league. He had five teams win or tie for league championships, 25 teams advance to state, ten teams win state titles, and his Pioneers were national champions in 1995, 1996 and in 1997.

Smith visited with former players and associates prior to the dedication and following the varsity game, accepting their congratulations and sharing treasured memories.

Brad Smith’s daughter, Ashley Smith Campbell, spoke during the dedication.

“What’s really special to me is the person you are,” Ashley said to her father and former coach. “After all the personal sacrifices you made, your commitment, and all the time and energy you put in. To have your name on the court, it’s such an appropriate and deserved honor….”

Oregon City’s current head coach, Kurt Guelsdorf, read a letter from Brad Smith’s longtime friend, assistant and co-coach Carl Tinsley.

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