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Hall of Famer Brad Smith returns as interim head coach for Clear Creek Amana boys’ wrestling program
Smith comes out of retirement to fill in next season for Clippers Coach Kyle Forness, who will serve with Army reserves
K.J. Pilcher
Apr. 18, 2024 1:38 am, Updated: Apr. 18, 2024 9:26 am
Brad Smith’s second retirement was longer than his first.
But, just when he thought he was out for good, The Godfather of Iowa high school wrestling coaches was pulled back in for another season.
Smith has returned from retirement again as interim head wrestling coach at Clear Creek Amana, filling in for Kyle Forness, who will miss next season due to obligations as a member of the Army reserves. The arrangement is expected to be for just the 2024-25 season.
“He asked me and I said I’ve got to ask my wife first,” said Smith, the Hall of Fame coach for Lisbon and Iowa City High. “My wife (Connie) is all for it because it’s for a good purpose. He’s in the military. I’ll do it for one season. I think it’s important to support the military and what Kyle’s doing.”
Forness will be mobilized for a year with some additional responsibilities before it starts. He will serve as a Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). His primary job will be as a medic.
Forness was a seven-year assistant for Smith at City High. He said it was more of a joke when he first asked Smith last summer after he learned of the assignment. Smith handed out awards at City High’s Bean-Smith Duals in January. Forness mentioned it again and Smith texted to let him know if he found a substitute. The idea was more reality by the state tournament in February.
“Sitting out for one year, I missed it,” said Smith, who has become a regular pickleball player with Connie about three times a week. “You can only play so much pickleball.
“I love spending time with my wife, too. There is still a lot of down time. I can use that down time to help kids out and help the Clear Creek Amana program.”
The Clippers welcome Iowa’s most accomplished wrestling coach. Smith set records with 704 career dual wins and 19 state team titles, including 12 traditional state team crowns, in his 45-year career. He coached 306 state qualifiers to 179 medals and 64 individual championships.
Smith, the 1990 National Coach of the Year, coached five of Iowa’s 32 four-time state champions. He coached Shane Light (1987-90) and brothers, Carter and Cael Happel (2013-16 and 2017-20) to all four golds at Lisbon. He helped the Lions’ Scott Morningstar to his final two titles in 1979-80. He did the same for City High’s Jeff McGinness in 1992 and 1993.
“The fact that he is doing this for our program means everything,” Forness said. “One, we are getting one of the best there ever has been. Two, his commitment level isn't part-time. He is all in, which also means so is his family. Connie and he made the decision together and at CCA we appreciate both of them as he has grandkids and family he could see during the winter instead of helping us out.
“We have great assistants at CCA who are a big reason for our recent success. Now that they get a chance to learn and work from Smith, it puts our program in a better position even after I return.”
Smith inherits a program that has steadily improved. CCA qualified 11 wrestlers for state and competed in the Class 3A regional duals. Smith has run open wrestling room workouts twice a week for about a month before the official announcement. He already started making connections with the wrestlers, like Cale Nash and Nolan Howell.
“They’re great kids,” Smith said. “They have a good culture there. The kids have an expectation of what they need to do to get better. I’m just going to be there to guide them and help them out.
“They have seven state qualifiers and two placewinners back. They have a couple more from two years ago. They have a real good nucleus.”
The Clippers should be able to make a quick transition. Forness and Smith share the same philosophy. The program should be able to maintain the gains it has made under Forness.
“We have pretty much the same formula for success,” Smith said. “I think the kids have already adjusted to me as well.”
Forness said, “Brad Smith is the reason I am a coach. He brought me on his staff in 2007. I thought I was done with the sport, however, being in the room every day under his direction made coaching something I enjoyed doing. Smith always took care of guys and it is something I have tried to emulate.”
Smith, 70, has benefited from two hip and two knee replacements. He has been on the mat demonstrating technique during workouts. Smith is able and ready to return.
“I still have a passion for wrestling and being around kids keeps you young,” Smith said. “My body is still in pretty good shape, even though I’m half bionic. It feels great.
“The mind is in good shape. We’re good to go.”
Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com