By Darrel Wheeler
On February 15th Balboa’s Raider Nation lost its longest-tenured Raider.
Mr. Edward Smith, aka Smitty, served in multiple capacities for Balboa.
He spent 32 uninterrupted years of service with one association. That’s really rare these days. He was definitely loyal to his soil.
Mr. Smith was known for his no-nonsense approach to handling the day-to-day logistics of running a youth Football & Cheer association. His point of view garnered respect throughout San Diego’s youth football experience.
“Over everything else, he really cared about the kids. He spent a lot of time working with them,” Mr. Smith’s wife, Gracey Smith, shared. “Being the president was hard work, but he enjoyed it very much. He would have loved this today, but I know he’s watching. Thanks to everybody that did this in his honor. Our family thanks you so much. Today was so wonderful.”
Head Coach and Boardmember, Milton Clack, and the staff of Raider people unanimously decided to wait for the right time to honor the former coach, parent, and president.
Last Saturday was the right time and Hoover High School was the right location. Mr. Smith spent some of his Saturdays at Hoover’s field overseeing the day’s action.
“I feel like he left a good legacy around here. He impacted a lot of people. He’s seen third-generation families and players come through Balboa. That’s awesome,” said son Marcus Smith.
In recognition of his many years of service to the community black and white balloons were released to honor the longest-tenured Raider in Balboa history.
On the field, it was back to football business as the Raiders challenge the Aztecs of Chula Vista. Without the best player in the division, Balboa’s 10-U team fell short against the Aztecs. However, the 13-U team had no problem demolishing the undermanned visitors from CV, with another running clock victory.
