Here is Mr. Smith's induction biography:

"Our next inductee is Mr. James Smith. James is a proud graduate of Gettysburg College, where he competed on the Men's Cross Country and Track teams. James quickly transitioned his passion for the sport into a successful coaching career throughout the Ches-Mont league. 

 His coaching and teaching career began at Great Valley HS as an Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field coach from 1998 to 2003. He then went on to a highly successful tenure as the Head Track & Field Coach at Downingtown West from 2004 to 2016. He also served as an alternative education teacher in the Downingtown Area School District during that time. 

Under his leadership, the Downingtown West program achieved incredible success, including: Two District One Championships, Three Ches-Mont Championships, Multiple Indoor and Outdoor Individual State Champions, the 2016 Indoor Track & Field State Championship, and a second-place finish in the 2016 Outdoor Track & Field Championship. His leadership during that 2016 season was recognized by his peers and the community as the Daily Local Coach of the Year and the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association Indoor Boys Track Coach of the Year in 2016.

After his career at Downingtown, James coached middle school track & field and cross country at Patton Middle School in the Unionville Chadds Ford School District until 2022. He continues to work with students and athletes in the Ches-Mont League as he is currently an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Patton Middle School. 

Beyond coaching, James has also served the track community as a dedicated Penn Relays official.

While his professional accomplishments are numerous, James is most proud of his three daughters, all of whom have competed in Ches-Mont Track & Field and Cross Country Championships for Unionville. Two of his daughters, Meghan & Sarah, have competed at the collegiate level. Justine, his third, is currently a senior and is committed to compete at the collegiate level next year.

Please join me in welcoming James to the Ches Mont Hall of Fame!"