Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU's Smith Named MAC Coach of the Year
3/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 12, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University head coach Jay Smith guided the Chippewas to their second Mid-American Conference regular season men's basketball title in the last three years in 2003. On Wednesday, he was tabbed MAC "Coach of the Year."
"This is a credit to our coaching staff, the entire basketball program, and the university," Smith said. "It takes hard work and a group effort to turn a basketball program in the right direction. We are thankful for the award and we will continue to work hard, just like we have from day one."
Smith was also honored as MAC "Coach of the Year" following the Chippewas' 2001 MAC title run.
CMU finished the 2003 regular season with a 21-6 overall record, including a marquee win at Michigan (85-78) on December 3. The Chippewas were 14-4 in MAC play to win the regular season crown with a two-game lead over defending champion Kent State.
The Chippewas tallied 12 more wins than they did in 2002 when CMU went 9-19 overall. The Maroon and Gold were picked to finish sixth in the MAC West Division in the preseason poll.
It marks the fourth time a Chippewa mentor has been selected for the award. Dick Parfitt was honored in 1975, Charlie Coles in 1987, and Smith in 2001 and '03.
The Chippewas are the top seed in this weekend's 2003 First Energy MAC Men's Basketball Tournament in Cleveland's Gund Arena. CMU plays No. 9 Bowling Green on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m.
