ksparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

A notable face enters the RMAC as the head coach of the Fort Lewis Skyhawks.

John L. Smith, who was just relieved of his duties as interim head coach of D1 powerhouse Arkansas Razorbacks after a disappointing 4-8 season, will take the reigns as the Skyhawks’ head football coach.

“John is an outstanding football coach,” CMU football coach Russ Martin said of the hiring. “It’s going to help the conference with notoriety and it’s going to bring a lot of positives within the RMAC conference with a new level of expectations and competition. It is a great hire for Fort Lewis, and it’s going to be exciting to line up against them on the field next fall.”

The Skyhawks are recovering from a rough 0-10 season, but feel optimistic after landing a coach who has experienced moderate success in D1. Fort Lewis Athletic Director Gary Hunter hired Smith in 1989 when Hunter was at Idaho University, which is one of the few connections Smith has with other staff members at Fort Lewis.

Smith has had previous coaching jobs with multiple big-name programs, such as Louisville, Michigan State and Utah State.  The hire will more than likely make Fort Lewis a strong competitor in the RMAC in the coming seasons.