While his sudden passing has shocked and saddened the wrestling world and his pupils, this PJ Smith obituary will reflect on his enduring impact. The former UNCP Wrestling Coach, a real icon of North Carolina wrestling, died early Monday morning. Paul “PJ” Smith was a highly recognized wrestling coach who was noted for his attention, enthusiasm, and commitment to the sport. Smith began his wrestling career at Enloe High School in Raleigh. He improved his abilities at NC State University.
Similarly, he began his coaching career at Jacksonville High School. After working at Ravenscroft and West Millbrook Jr. High, he went on to collegiate coaching in 1978. Smith’s well-known employment at UNC-Pembroke started in 1981 and lasted 25 years. Smith reportedly had a 255-150-3 record with the UNCP Braves. The great coach spearheaded the effort to keep the UNC-Pembroke program alive in the 1980s and 1990s. He not only coached 33 All-Americans and 13 Academic All-Americans but also guided his team to two top-10 finishes in the NCAA Division II national tournament.
PJ Smith’s Obituary
The wrestling community was heartbroken to learn of PJ Smith’s death on November 6, 2023. He was a wonderful advocate for wrestling in North Carolina and beyond. His unexpected death has shocked the North Carolina wrestling community and generated several condolences online. His family, friends, and the athletes he mentored were devastated by the news. O.T. Johnson, UNCP’s current wrestling coach, said, “UNCP wrestling, UNC Pembroke, Robeson County, North Carolina, the wrestling community nationally — we lost a good one today.”
Nevertheless, his accomplishments went well beyond coaching. Smith was more than simply a coach; he was actively engaged in many parts of the wrestling world. He was a long-time board member of NCUSA Wrestling and served as State Chairperson for numerous years. Smith was well-known as an official. He officiated many types of wrestling, including folkstyle, freestyle, greco-roman, belt, and beach wrestling.
In 2004, he received the NCHSAA Golden Whistle Award. In 2006, he was also inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s North Carolina Chapter. He was also inducted into the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame in 2006 and the UNC-Pembroke Hall of Fame in 2015. Finally, Smith served on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and was an outspoken supporter of the organization and its goal.
A Legacy Beyond the Mat.
Aside from wrestling, PJ was renowned as a buddy and mentor to many wrestlers, referees, and coaches. Smith had a talent for creating a feeling of community and camaraderie in the wrestling industry. What distinguished PJ Smith was his steadfast dedication to helping others. He was noted for providing opportunities to wrestlers from underprivileged backgrounds.
He also gave up his house to members of the UNCP Athletics community who needed a place to stay. Furthermore, Smith’s impact extended beyond the wrestling world. He taught many local youngsters to swim at the UNCP swimming school. He also employed people from the wrestling program to work at the camps and assisted a large number of people in becoming lifeguard-certified. In this manner, he extended his support and guidance beyond the wrestling ring and into the community as a whole.
Cause of death
Although many in the wrestling world are concerned about the reason for PJ Smith’s death, the details have not been made public. Regardless, his premature death surprised everyone, since he was just seen publically last week at the UNCP HOF ceremony. However, as with any tragedy, his death was unexpected, serving as a sad reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable.
