Hall of Fame bio: Smith one of Hokies’ best ever

For the MV Independent
Elizabeth Forward graduate

Lenny Smith

Lenny Smith was a multi-talented athlete.
Whether it was the baseball diamond, basketball court or football field, Smith was a player who could do everything on the field of play.
Many feel Smith’s best sport was football. It allowed him to show a wide array of talent.
His two-point conversion gave the Warriors their first-ever win over McKeesport in1964. He lettered his junior year as a defensive back and became the team’s starting quarterback the following season.
Under Smith, the Warriors went on to win the Big 9 Conference title with an 8-0-1 record. A tie to rival Belle Vernon Area was the one game that kept EF from a perfect overall record.
He reaped all-conference honors as the quarterback that season to go along with all-WPIAL and second-team All-State honors. He was nominated to play in the annual Big 33 Game as well.
He completed 79 of 131 passes for 910 yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for nearly 500 yards and scored six touchdowns with his legs.
Smith turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship to Virginia Tech, where he played under coach Jerry Claiborne. It was one of 45 offers he received to play collegiately.
Smith was a three-year letterwinner for the Hokies. As a safety, he led the Hokies in interceptions in 1968 and finished his career fifth all-time in Va. Tech history with 13.
He had a shot to play quarterback in his sophomore season, but decided he was best on defense.
He joined Frank Beamer, who went on to become a legendary head coach with the Hokies, in the defensive backfield.
Smith, who retired as an asset and property manager for Oxford Development, married his classmate Carol Conn. The two have a son and daughter, Ryan and Joy.