About Inductee

Don Smith was born in Woodsbury, New Jersey, but moved to the Huntsville area at the age of two. He grew up playing all sports for the Boy's Club and was an all-city quarterback for his youth football team. Don played middle school football at Chapman and during his eighth-grade year, made the transition to the offensive line. He continued his education at Lee High School and played football, basketball, baseball and track while at Lee. During his senior year, under the direction of John Childress, Don was voted the best offensive lineman at Lee and was selected to the all-city football team as the center and long snapper. He was also named to the AHSAA all-state team in 1978. After high school, he signed a scholarship with the University of North Alabama. While at North Alabama, he was a four-year letterman from 1979; and, in 1980 started on the offensive line for three years. He was selected NCAA Division II All-American as a senior in 1982, earning first team Kodak All-American and second team Associated Press All-American. He was also selected All-Gulf South Conference in 1982. He was later selected for the Gulf South Conference Team of the Decade for the 1980s, the "First Forty Years" All-Time UNA Football Team and the UNA 50th Anniversary Football Team. While Don was at UNA, the team had a combined record of 31-12 and they won a Gulf South Conference football championship for the first time. This was 10-2 and became the first football team from UNA to advance to the NCAA playoffs. In 2003, Don was inducted into the UNA Athletic Hall of Fame. Don had this to say about who had made the greatest impact on his life and athletic accomplishments: "My family has been very important in my success in athletics as well as life. They taught me a truth about commitment early in life. Before you start something count the cost, because you will finish what you start. This lesson of commitment, follow through, and perseverance was critical in my success in athletics as well as in life. The discipline, teamwork, and adversity experienced in athletics have made an everlasting impact on my life." Don and Cynthia live in Florence. Don is a Deacon at the Highland Baptist Church of Florence.