Over a period of some forty-four seasons, from his start as a young coach in 1928 to his retirement over four decades later, Coach Boyce Smith dedicated his life to the molding of boys into manhood. He retired from active coaching in 1972, ending an era of football domination by the small Springfield High School in Springfield, Tennessee. Throughout Smith’s tenure, his teams had undefeated seasons six times and, at one stretch, had won thirty straight games! His 288-116-34 record stands as a challenge to all who would seek excellence in the coaching profession. Smith-coached squads sported a 9-1-3 bowl record over the years, playing in the Clinic Bowl, Tobacco Bowl, Metro Bowl, Little Ten Bowl, and Mid-State Bowl. Many well-deserved honors came Smith’s way, including being named in 1967 as High School Coach of the Decade in the Southeastern States by the National Coaches and Athletic Association. In 1962 Smith was recognized by the Tennessee Football Officials Association for thirty-five years of service to Middle Tennessee high school football. And in 1972 Smith was presented the Distinguished American Award by the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. A man who truly devoted his life to football pride and virtue, Boyce Smith will always be remembered with fondness and respect, not only at Springfield High, but in the annals of Tennessee football history as well.
