Smith resigns AD post, will return to coaching

Darrick Smith's resignation as athletic director for the Central High School was accepted by the school board on Monday, clearing the way for Smith to return to teaching and coaching in the district.

Smith, who is completing his second year as the athletic director, cited the time required in the position as a reason for his resignation.

"It was a tough decision because I did enjoy it," Smith said. "In my case, I still have young children, and it's difficult just because of the time away from the family. It's been a hard deal because they're active in so many things and when you can't get to their ballgames and activities, you don't get that time back.

"After the first year, I stepped back and thought maybe it would get easier the second year because we had built those fields [at the new high school] during the first year. But not a lot changed."

Smith, who had been the girls basketball head coach at Central and at Hazelwood Central, also has coached football and baseball. He was a coach and teacher at Hazelwood Central for nine years before coming home to Cape Girardeau and his alma mater nine years ago.

Smith will return to the football coaching staff as an assistant. He expects to be teaching math at the junior high and may become part of the coaching staff for another sport.

"During the season, a coach puts in a lot of hours," Smith said. "As athletic director, you're always in season. There are different events you have to be at three, four, five, sometimes six nights a week, sometimes seven if you work on Sundays to catch up on paperwork.

"It's a good job. It's fun. The time is just crazy."