Coach Smith

I first saw him when  Josh was in the 8th grade and Bradley Junior was playing Truett in basketball.No doubt that Bradley had more talent but those boys from Truett would run through a brick wall for Kent.Josh scored 33 that day and two kindred sprirts connected.Kent would eventually be the winningest coach in Bradley history and Josh would be Mr Basketball in 2000. More than that a friendship was formed between Josh and Kent as well as our whole family.It is rare to see people that are so passionate about what they do .And if one word describes Kent it is passionate.I really think that passion that Josh and Kent had bound them together.The years from 1998-2000 were some of best basketball that Bradley fans ever witnessed capped off by a 37-2 record and a state runner up in 2000.The next group of Bears would include my son Justin,Kellen Corey,Chris and Andrew most of whom had played together since the 4th grade. This group would also be state runner ups and beat hated rival White Station in the Arby's Classic.They would also win over 100 games in that 3 year stretch.It was magic watching the chemistry that team had.I would watch the games while listening to Corky and Gary calling the game as only they could.It was a special time that I still hold close.The news came the other day that Kent was taking a leave of absence from coaching.As we get older we realize that all things eventually end,and thus Kent's time coaching the Bears.We will miss his passion,his slapping the floor and the love that he had for the players. I Am honored to have him as a friend and so glad he coached Josh and Justin .And as Kent would say"Go Bears"./