Justin Smith, who led Wakefield to state championships in 2006 and 2007, is the new head football coach at Lincoln Northeast.
RYLY JANE HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Monday, April 27, 2009 12:00 am
Justin Smith has had success the two times his teams played in Lincoln.
Smith, who Monday was named Lincoln Northeast football coach, would like to continue that trend.
His victories came in Memorial Stadium, when he guided undefeated Wakefield teams to Class C-2 championships in 2006 and 2007. In the past seven years, his teams were a combined 56-17. His career record in 11 years at Wakefield is 67-39.
"My philosophy is pretty simple. If you want something badly enough, you have to fight for it. I'm a fighter," said Smith, who will teach English at Northeast. "I want to instill that in the kids I teach and coach."
Smith replaces Dave Svehla, who resigned when his wife, Cheri, was transferred to Illinois.
Smith and his wife, Laurie, have two children. Tessa is 6 years old and Tyler is 4.
"Lincoln is a lot closer to my hometown and family, and it's important for my kids to see their grandparents," said Smith, a native of Hamburg, Iowa. "I got a great feeling during my interview and I'm looking forward to learning more about the community and Northeast."
Smith competed in football and wrestling at Dana College.
At Northeast, he hopes to build upon the success the Rocket teams had under Svehla.
"When I got to Wakefield, football and success were two words that didn't go together," he said. "Northeast has had success and they've had good teams.
"I want to combine the best of what they did in the past with the best that I've done."
Reach Ryly Jane Hambleton at 473-7314 or rhambleton@journalstar.com.