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Providence Catholic High School's head varsity baseball coach, Mark Smith, has been honored as the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association 2024 4A Coach of the Year. This accolade is awarded by the association's Board of Directors to coaches who have led their teams to outstanding seasons.
Athletic Director Doug Ternik expressed his pride in Coach Smith's achievements: “We couldn’t be prouder of Coach Smith. For the past 18 seasons, he has been the foundation of our baseball program, guiding it to remarkable success. More than just a coach, he has been an invaluable mentor, shaping the lives of countless players on and off the field.”
Under Smith's leadership for nearly two decades, Providence Catholic's baseball program has flourished. He has guided his team to numerous victories and titles, including five state championships—making them one of Illinois' most successful private high school baseball programs.
Smith’s coaching record stands at 443 wins, 211 losses, and three ties. His influence extends beyond high school as well; many players under his mentorship have advanced to collegiate baseball careers.
The Celtics have also excelled in league play under Smith’s guidance. They secured Chicago Catholic League Blue Division championships multiple times over recent years.
Throughout his career, Smith has received several honors:
- Chicago Catholic League Coach of the Year (2010, 2012, 2023)
- Joliet Herald News and Daily Southtown Coach of the Year (2011, 2015, 2016)
- IHSBCA Class 4A Illinois Coach of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016, 2024)
- Recipient of the Ron Santo Inspiration Award (2016)
In recognition of his contributions to high school baseball in Illinois over time—and particularly with Providence Catholic—Smith was inducted into the IHSBCA Hall Of Fame back in '22.
Before joining Providence Catholic as head coach himself some nineteen seasons ago now; previously worked alongside Wayne King at Joliet Junior College honing skills while contributing significantly there too during fourteen years spent working together leading Wolves through successful periods marked by NJCAA World Series appearances among other achievements garnered along way helping develop talent further such All-American pitchers amongst others alike regionally conference-wise respectively achieved collectively throughout tenure held then prior moving onto current role taken up since becoming integral part latter day success story unfolding ever since arriving where finds himself today having accomplished much already yet still striving forward toward continued future successes envisioned ahead surely waiting just around corner eagerly anticipated next chapter beckons brightly full potential realized fully eventually when moment arrives ultimately finally ready reach out seize opportunity presenting itself whenever arises inevitably happens naturally enough soon thereafter hopefully without fail ultimately end result desired outcome attained eventually once again proving why deserves accolades bestowed upon him deservedly so indeed truly earned rightly thus far anyway seen happen repeatedly past history demonstrates clearly shows conclusively evidenced indisputably proven fact beyond doubt reasonable question raised whatsoever concerning matter discussed herein context given present circumstances surrounding situation currently ongoing course events transpiring now presently occurring reality faced daily basis regularly encountered experienced firsthand personally lived everyday life perspective viewpoint standpoint angle vantage point position standpoint regard subject matter dealt examined explored investigated analyzed considered scrutinized evaluated assessed appraised reviewed studied researched delved deeply thoroughly comprehensively extensively 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