Dick Smith, who initially began his track and field career as a longer-distance runner at Fairfield Union High School, graduated in 1971 and decided to take some time off to work. After spending four years as an apprentice in masonry, Dick enrolled at Otterbein ready for the next chapter in his life. Ultimately, he would graduate in 1979 as one of the most dominant long sprinters to lace up for the Cardinals.

A tough competitor standing 6-0 and 140 pounds, Dick believed that he could win every race and usually ended up doing so. He started turning heads early in his sophomore year, winning a pair of Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) indoor titles in the 440-yard dash and 880-yard relay, followed by an OAC outdoor championship in the 400 meters. That season ended with Dick earning All-American honors at the national meet, placing fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 47.75, a school record that still stands today.

Smith continued to crack the record books as his career progressed, setting Otterbein indoor records in the 300-yard dash (32.4) and as part of the mile-relay (3:28.4) during his junior campaign. He again qualified for the NCAA’s in the 400 meters, but was unfortunately unable to compete due to a broken bone in his foot.

He bounced back nicely as a senior in 1979, adding two more conference indoor championships, breaking the indoor 440-yard dash record (50.00) and helping the outdoor mile-relay squad set a new school-best of 3:15.88. He culminated his time with a second All-American honor when his mile-relay group finished sixth in the nation.

A five-time conference champion and two-time ‘Most Valuable Runner’ for the Cardinals, Dick was voted the OAC’s ‘Most Outstanding Runner’ in 1978, held five school records when he graduated and received multiple other accolades from the Otterbein Athletic Department along the way.

Dick stayed around after graduation in 1979 and helped as a part-time coach for eight years, advising the sprint and relay teams before ultimately serving two years as women’s head track and field coach from 1988-90. He has also provided various labor to athletic projects over the years, assisting with the construction of the baseball dugouts and the shot put/discus throw pit.

A true Otterbein Cardinal, Dick still stays involved with Otterbein to this day by helping his wife, Becky, Director of Alumni Relations, with many activities on campus.