If any individual or squad could rival the success of Ron Bontemps in the late 1940s and early 1950s it would certainly be the teams led by Mark Smith 30 years later.

Smith garnered the nickname "Mr. Everything" during his time on the hardwood for Beloit. The Elk Grove, Illinois native was known as an unselfish player with a knack for excelling in big games.

The Buccaneers won two Midwest Conference titles during Smith's tenure, the first in 1978-79. Smith was tabbed for All-MWC Second Team that season. That season, Beloit faced the defending national champion North Park in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Bucs took the game down to the wire with a last second opportunity but fell to the eventual national champions 63-62.

The second league title came in 1980-81, a highlight year for Smith. The 6'5 forward led Beloit to a 24-2 record, the highest win percentage (.923) in program history. Throughout the course of that magnificent season, Beloit sat atop the national rankings for five consecutive weeks. Selected as the host site in the postseason, Smith led Beloit to the NCAA Division III Regional final against Augustana on the Bucs' home floor. Like in 1979, the game was tight with Beloit falling to the Vikings 56-53. Augustana went on to the national championship game falling in overtime. Smith was selected First Team All-MWC adding All-Midwest District and Second Team All-America honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches that season.

In four years, Smith never shot below 50-percent from the field. His 1,381 career points was second in program history when he graduated and currently ranks fifth. He also stands fifth for field goals made in a season with 185.

Smith stayed on as an assistant coach with legendary coach Bill Knapton following his collegiate eligibility helping Beloit to back-to-back MWC titles in 1982 and 1983.

Smith, a Pat Dawson Award recipient as Beloit's top senior male student-athlete, was inducted into the Beloit College of Honor in 1991.

Stay tuned for the next feature in this series coming April 1. 

Previous Features: 
Ron Bontemps - Class of 1951 - Men's Basketball

Beloit's "10 of the Best" series features some of the best Buccaneers to have represented Beloit College as past of the Midwest Conference Centennial Celebration. The league will be featuring athletes from each member institution in its history in chronological order by class year beginning March 1. Beloit's feature schedule will mirror when the former Buccaneers are recognized on the conference site. Bucs recognized in this series were selected by committee. For more information visit the Midwest Conference website.