Upper Iowa University Athletics

Fred Smith earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Upper Iowa University in 1949. He furthered his education at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.

While at Upper Iowa, Smith lettered in baseball three straight years as an outstanding outfielder. After graduation from UIU, Smith served in the U.S. Armed Services from 1942 to 1946, being discharged with the rank of Captain. He taught and coached baseball at West Union High School from 1949 to 1951, at Millersburg from 1951 to 1952 and at Forest City 1953 until the time of his death in 1980. In 1963, he took his team to the State Tournament.

He was chosen Teacher of the Year in the Forest City Schools in 1975 and Runner-Up Teacher of the Year in the State of Iowa in 1975.

He served as a high school and college athletic official for 20 years.

Smith is remembered not only for his athletic achievements, but also for his impressive desire and commitment to help youth. For 25 years, he served as the Counselor and later as the Director of the American Legion Iowa Boys State Progream. He volunteered two weeks of this time to do this each year.

He also volunteered two weeks a year for 12 years as the Legislative Counselor for the American Legion Boys Nation Program held annually in Washington, D.C. He was chosen for this program as one of 16 from approximately 4,000 across the country.

Smith touched the lives of thousands of young men, training them to keep fit, relaxed and ready to become leaders. He was a former teacher and coach of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and was recognized by Governor Branstad, “Very few people had as much influence on me as Fred Smith. He gave me the opportunity to play baseball and encouraged me to do my best in whatever assignment I was given. He had a way of inspiring his athletes and students. We worked hard because we didn’t want to let him down.”

Smith’s service to his community included membership in the American Legion for 34 years. HE served as the Director of the Methodist Youth Camp for six years and played the local Santa Claus for many years, while also partaking in activities as a member of the Lions Club. He has been honored in many ways by the Forest City community for his dedicated service to their youth and the community.