Kenneth W. Smith graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, Ohio in 1967. Three years in high school, Smith played varsity athletics in football, basketball and track. In 1969, he matriculated at Cumberland and excelled under Coach Alvin Sharpe.
As a collegiate performer, Smith became a four year letterman in track. During his sophomore, junior and senior years Smith was selected to the All Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team and to the All National Athletic Intercollegiate Association District 24 Track Team. He made the elite 100-Point Club, scoring 100 points both his junior and senior year. Smith is the only thrower in Cumberland track history ranked in the top three for shot put, javelin and discus events. He ranks third in shot put at 50 feet, ranks second in javelin at 200 feet, and ranks first in discus with a school record throw of 148 feet 11 inches.
Smith was graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Cumberland in 1973. He later earned his Master of Arts in Education Degree in School Guidance and Counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati, in 1977. For thirty-two years, Smith was employed as a physical education teacher at Franklin City Schools in Franklin, Ohio before retiring. In 1988, Smith was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for Franklin City Schools and in 1997 received the key to the city of Franklin for his service and dedication to the youth. His teaching career included coaching volleyball, cross country, track and golf. He organized and coached the Jumping Cats Double Dutch Jump Rope Team, ultimately leading them to an Ohio state championship in 1989. His teams have performed during halftime of Cumberland College basketball games.
Smith resides in Monroe, OH. He has one daughter, Julie Smith Baer, son-in-law, David Baer, and granddaughter, Caroline.
