Long-standing Surge coach and mentor, Kevin Smart, has officially retired from the St. Lawrence College's men's varisty basketball program.

Coach Smart moved from his long tenure as assistant coach to head coach of the program in 2020. His retirement plans were announced to the team prior to their final regular season home game on Saturday, Feb. 3 and shared at the game with a large crowd of St. Lawrence fans and family. It was an emotional night for Smart and his family, who have been loyal SLC supporters since Smart's graduation from the college in 2000.

His coaching career will forever be remembered at SLC, having coached over 400 OCAA games, 300-plus student-athletes, 40-plus OCAA All-Stars, and earning OCAA silver (2006-07) and bronze (2009-10).

Athletics and Student Engagement Manager, Kevin Biggs, held opening remarks before the game for Kevin and his impressive coaching career on Saturday that honoured Kevin as well as graduating players.

"Coach Smart has been coming through the gymnasium doors at SLC for the last 26 years and I feel so fortunate to have worked with him for almost half of that time. His knowledge and passion for basketball and his student-athletes is going to be hard to replace," said Biggs during the pre-game ceremony. "Kevin, the College can't thank you enough for everything you've done," added Biggs before Coach Smart's wife, Heather, took to the microphone for a heartfelt speech for Kevin.

With Coach Smart's retirement this season, the head coaching position for St. Lawrence College's men's basketball program is now available. All serious applicants are encouraged to click here for more information.

Source: St. Lawrence Surge