Smith Resigns as Basketball Coach at Servite High

Richard Smith, who coached Servite High School’s basketball team to its first State title in 1990, announced his resignation Tuesday.

Smith, who compiled a 63-30 record in three seasons, plans to pursue a teaching credential and a Master’s degree in math this fall. He will attend college full time, and is hoping to land a position as a graduate assistant coach.

“It was a tough decision,” he said. “The last six years I’ve based my decisions on what’s best for the kids and the school. But now I’m at a point where I have to make a decision based on what’s best for me.

“I don’t have a teaching credential, and I would like to have it. And I’ve entertained thoughts of coaching at the next (college) level. This is a chance to get an education and the experience to get my foot in the door.”

Smith said he has contacted several Division I programs about graduate assistant positions.

“I have some things lined up, but I can’t discuss them because we haven’t worked out the details,” he said.

Smith, a native of Portland, Ore., started at Servite as coach of the sophomore team in 1986-87. He was the varsity assistant the next two seasons before taking over the team in 1989-90.

Smith, 31, coached the Friars to the State title in 1989-90, his first season as coach. The Friars lost to Estancia, 51-49, in overtime of the Southern Section 3-AA championship game that season.

Servite rebounded in 1991 to win the 3-A section title. The Friars finished 17-12 and were eliminated in the section semifinals by Inglewood Morningside.