YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Head Wrestling Coach David Bolyard announced the promotion of Luke Smith to a full-time assistant position with EMU's wrestling program. Smith has spent the last three seasons as a part-time assistant for former Head Coach Derek DelPorto."I am really excited to announce the promotion of Luke Smith as our new assistant wrestling coach," Bolyard said. "Luke has played an integral part of building our program and will be a huge asset as we begin the process of taking our program to the next level.""I would like to thank Coach Bolyard for the opportunity to help him take EMU wrestling to the next level," said Smith. "It has been an honor to work with Coach DelPorto and Coach Bolyard the last three years and learn from them. I am very excited in the direction this program is going and to be a part of it. In the last three years we have beaten four top-25 teams and continue to improve every year. We have a great team of hard working individuals that are driven to succeed in everything they do. I look forward to helping them become the best that they can be."During his span at EMU, Smith has helped coach 10 NCAA qualifiers, as well as a Mid-American Conference Championship runner-up. During the summer of 2013, he spent a weekend in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the 2013 National Wrestling Coaches Association Coaching Leadership Academy. At the academy, Smith was mentored by legendary coaches and members of the wrestling community.Prior to EMU, Smith spent two seasons as a volunteer coach at Old Dominion University and the 2008-09 campaign with Central Michigan University.While at Old Dominion, Smith's primary duties included coaching lightweight wrestlers. Smith also worked as a lightweight coach with CMU, where he helped guide the Chippewas to a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Tournament in 2010.Smith brings a host of personal accolades, including qualifying for nationals all four years at CMU. He was ranked as high as fourth in the country at 125 pounds. During his senior season, his team reached their highest ranking in program history when they ended the 2007-08 dual season at No. 2. He was the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year for the 2004-05 season.At Chippewa Falls High, Smith was a two-time Wisconsin State Champion and finished his career with a 117-2 record. He finished fourth at the Greco-Roman Olympic Trials in 2004 and also captured fourth place at the Senior Freestyle World Team Trials in 2006.The Chippewa Falls, Wis. native is a 2008 graduate from CMU with a bachelor's degree in sports management and athletic coaching.
The Luke Smith File
Name: Luke Smith
High School: Chippewa Falls H.S. - Chippewa Falls, Wis. - 2004
College: Central Michigan University - Bachelor's in Sports Management and Athletic Coaching - 2008
Coaching/Playing ExperienceYear School/Company Position
2011-Pres. Eastern Michigan University Assistant Wrestling Coach
2009-11 Old Dominion University Volunteer Assistant Coach
2008-09 Central Michigan University Volunteer Assistant Coach
2004-08 Central Michigan University Student-Athlete
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