The Wittenberg community will honor the memory of the late beloved Women's Basketball Head Coach and Associate Director of Athletics Pam Evans Smith, class of 1982, and a 1999 Wittenberg University Athletics Hall of Honor inductee, with the Pam Evans Smith 5K Memorial Walk/Run at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6.
Smith, who attained the most wins and highest winning percentage in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), passed away July 2007 after a 17-year battle with cancer. All proceeds from the event benefit the Pam Evans Smith '82 Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports annual scholarships to deserving female seniors who have demonstrated leadership and academic abilities.
Smith established herself as one of the premier women's basketball coaches in NCAA Division III in her 21-year coaching career. The seven-time NCAC Coach of the Year compiled a 401-170 record after taking the reins of a struggling program prior to the 1986-87 season, along the way leading the Tigers to eight NCAA Division III tournament appearances, twelve 20-win seasons and 11 NCAC regular season championships.
Smith also enjoyed a record-breaking career as a player at Wittenberg, earning second-team Academic All-America honors in 1982 after claiming team Most Valuable Player three straight years. The Tigers' all-time leading scorer until 1989, and still the record-holder for season scoring average, Smith added the role of associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator in 1992. She also served as a tenured faculty member in Wittenberg's department of health, fitness, and sport.
The 5K course takes place across Wittenberg University’s campus beginning at Alumni Way in front of the Student Center. The cost to participate is $25 for the general public and $15 for Wittenberg students, which includes a T-shirt. For more information, to register, or to donate, click here. Early-bird registration with a guarantee of a T-shirt ends Sunday, Sept. 23. Late registration will be available beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the race (cash or check only; T-shirt not guaranteed).
The 2018 event has been organized by Kellsea Geers, class of 2010, and Kali Parmley, class of 2011.
Email pamevanssmith5kmemorial@gmail.com for further information.
