Paul Smiley: What others are saying about him



Here is what some area school officials who have worked closely with Paul Smiley during his tenure at Kentucky School for the Deaf had to say about him:



Dick Webb, Burgin superintendent:



"Paul Smiley has been an inspiration and outstanding example to an entire generation of coaches and athletic personnel. His influence statewide has been tremendous. Any decision Paul Smiley made as an AD was always tempered by what is best for the student. He single-handedly kept the Bluegrass Conference going for years so that small school athletes could be recognized. His contributions to children, as with all successful leaders, will not be appreciated until they are no longer in that position. He will be missed.



"Personally, Paul Smiley is a man of integrity and truth. With Paul, what you see is what you get. He is honest to a fault and always makes decisions based on thorough thought and fact. He is genuine in every respect, and we don't see as much of that in school leadership as we used to see (or should see). In my opinion, he will be remembered as one of the true champions of student/athletes, not only in this area, but also in state and national circles."



Sam Harp, Danville athletics director:



"Paul always put the kids first. It didn't matter if it caused extra work with many long hours or nights. Look at how many times he filled in and became the basketball coach or the soccer coach, and drove the bus to many out of state trips. He coached football many years and won national championships. He wears so many hats for KSD. I do not see how he does it all.



"On a professional note as fellow AD's, we would bounce things off each other quite often. I usually took his advice. He's a friend and will certainly be missed in our profession. KSD will not be able to replace what he does for them unless they hire about four people to do his job. I wish him well."



Jim Spears, Boyle County athletics director:



"As the athletics director at KSD, Paul Smiley exemplifies all of the professional and personal qualities we should all strive to have. Paul works in the best interest of kids. Winning isn't his primary goal!



"Paul is about participation and the life skills the KSD students acquire through their participation. Paul is always willing to step up and coach a sport that lacks a coach, provide the KSD facilities to school teams when needed and assist us with our needs. Paul is all about kids and what is best for them."Copyright:The Advocate-Messenger 2007