Prayers are pouring in on social media after a legendary Ohio State soccer star died on Saturday. He was 71 years previous.
Probably the greatest offensive linemen in Ohio State Buckeyes soccer historical past has died. Ted Smith, an All-American standout on the offensive line, handed away over the weekend. The previous Buckeyes standout was a starter on the offensive line throughout each of Archie Griffin’s Heisman Trophy-winning seasons.
Smith, who remained an Ohio State Buckeyes fan till he died, was a consensus All-American in his ultimate season in Columbus. He started his profession at Ohio State as a linebacker, earlier than switching to proper guard.
“They performed me at linebacker my first two years at Ohio State, after which the coaches informed me they wished me to modify over and play on the offensive line. I did not like the thought in any respect, at first. I preferred protection and hitting folks. However coach Hayes informed me he thought I may play on the offensive line and that is the place I might assist the workforce essentially the most. The primary couple of days of follow have been fairly depressing. Woody was on my butt fairly unhealthy as a result of I did not actually have a lot of an thought what I used to be doing over there. However it slowly acquired higher, and I discovered the place. Woody knew what he was doing,” he informed the Toledo Blade in 2009.
Smith mentioned he remained shut with Griffin, probably the greatest gamers in faculty soccer historical past.
“I performed offensive line at 6-foot-1 and about 257 kilos. That was a good dimension again then, however that will be small by right now’s requirements. The athletes are a lot greater and quicker right now. The sport has modified lots, in lots of methods, nevertheless it nonetheless comes right down to blocking and tackling. We used to simply line up, knock folks down, after which hand the ball to Archie Griffin. I used to be lucky to play with an excellent participant like Archie. He is identical now as he was method again then – very humble and really appreciative of the abilities he was given. He by no means thought he was higher than anybody else, even with two Heisman Trophies. And he nonetheless appreciates his offensive linemen.
“I felt actually honored to be named All-American as a senior. We had 4 guys from that workforce that made first workforce All-American, and that could be a lot. In fact there was Archie; and Tim Fox, a security; and our punter Tom Skladany, and myself. It was a fantastic group of men. We went to the Rose Bowl all 4 years I used to be there at Ohio State. Again then, earlier than all this BCS and the nationwide championship video games, going to the Rose Bowl was very, crucial. As a Buckeye, you wished your season to finish in Pasadena on January 1st.”
Prayers are pouring in for the family and friends members of Smith following his passing.
“Per his needs, there shall be no providers. A celebration of life shall be held at a later date,” his household introduced.
“Herman-Veh Funeral House & Crematory, Gibsonburg, Ohio, has the glory of aiding Ted’s household throughout this troublesome time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could also be made to the Gibsonburg Athletic Boosters underneath Ted R. Smith. To specific on-line condolences or to look at Ted’s Tribute Video, please go to: www.hermanfh.com.”
Ted Smith, an All-American former Ohio State guard who helped pave the way in which for Archie Griffin’s two Heisman-winning seasons, died Saturday at 71 years previous. https://t.co/oP1fXcGkDS
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Our ideas are with the family and friends members of the Ohio State Buckeyes legend.
