Sports

Eastern Michigan Delays Announcement of New Coach, Smith Still Unsure

Anthony Smith, the winningest girls basketball coach in Bolingbrook High School history, is leaving to take an assistant coach's position at Eastern Michigan.

(Updated Monday at 10 a.m.)

The most successful high school girls basketball coach in the state appears to be heading for greener pastures—or at least the green and white pastures of Eastern Michigan University.

Anthony Smith, the head girls basketball coach at Bolingbrook High School for the past nine years, was named assistant women's basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University on Friday afternoon, according to a release by the univesity.

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But the university has since rescinded its announcment thanks to a possible case of cold feet on the part of Smith, who is reportedly still unsure of his decision.

Greg Steiner, the assistant director of media relations for Eastern Michigan's girls basketball team, said it was his understanding the announcment was official.

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Steiner said Smith has even already filled out the proper human resources paperwork and has been on campus several times.

"We've pulled it back down for a few days," Steiner said. "We're not quite sure what is going on. We haven't talked to (Smith) to figure everything out.

Smith's name was already listed in the Eagles' women's basketball coaching roster as of Saturday afternoon, but has since been removed.

Girls Basketball Head Coach Ann Marie Gilbert confirmed Smith's hiring Friday, but said the official announcement would be made today.

Now that announcement appears to be on hold until Smith makes his final decision. But all signs appear to be pointing towards Smith departure from Bolingbrook. Steiner said it may hinge on something as simple as an announcement at a school board meeting.

The Valley View school board meets tonight at 7:30 p.m., although no item concerning the matter appears on the agenda.

Alec Anderson, the Bolingbrook High School athletic director, did not confirm Smith's departure and said last he heard, Smith was staying put in Bolingbrook.

Smith, an Eastern Michigan alumnus, built the Lady Raiders into a statewide and national powerhouse for girls basketball during his nine-year tenure as coach.

He recorded a 245-26 record, helped lead the team to a 2A State Championship in 2006 and a 4A State Championship in 2009 and 2010.

Gilbert, who has recruited several Lady Raider players from Smith in the past, said Smith brings with him a winning attitude and a coach that strives to be the best in everything he does.

"He's been chasing that dream in high school to attain that No. 1 ranking in high school programs nationally and you want to have someone like that in your program," Gilbert said. "He is someone who likes to be in the gym and likes to challenge players to be the best they can be on a daily basis. I think he will contribute greatly and will be a great complement to our defense.

Gilbert said Smith's primary responsibilities will include scouting, recruiting and coaching the post players.

For more on this story, check back with Bolingbrook Patch throughout the day and weekend.


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