The Harford Athletic Department and Athletic Director Ken Krsolovic have announced the hiring of Mike Smelkinson as men’s basketball coach. Smelkinson was previously at the helm of the Howard Dragons.
"Mike Smelkinson stood out among a huge pool of applicants. His track record of academic and on-court success for his student-athletes is exemplary," Krsolovic said. "Add in his familiarity with the MD JUCO Conference, NJCAA Region 20, and his work ethic, and you have a person who can lead the Fighting Owls to new heights in Division I play. I am truly excited for the prospects of the Harford men’s basketball program under his direction."
During Smelkinson’s three seasons as the head coach at rival Howard, the Dragons were a combined 49-37 overall and 26-19 in MD JUCO play. He took the Dragons to the NJCAA National Tournament in 2013 after winning the Region XX Championship at the Division II level.
Last season, Smelkinson took the Dragons to the Region XX Final while tying for first place in the MD JUCO regular season standings with a 10-6 conference mark. Under Smelkinson’s guidance, Howard finished in the top five of the MD JUCO standings both of the last two seasons.
One of Smelkinson’s specialties seems to be turning around programs. In his first season at Howard, he took the Dragons to 13 victories, more than doubling the previous season’s win total of six. Prior to his stint at Howard, Smelkinson was the head coach for one season at Marriotts Ridge High School, where he took a winless team to eight victories in 2011.
Smelkinson served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, from 2008-10. He assisted in all coaching duties, including recruiting, creating scouting reports, player development and game management duties. During his final year at SMC, Smelkinson was the head coach of the JV squad.
Smelkinson played his final two years of eligibility at St. Mary’s College, helping the team to a 2008 NCAA DIII Sweet 16 appearance and national ranking. The Seahawks won the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament while Smelkinson led the CAC in assists. He started his collegiate career at NCAA DII’s California (Pa.) University, playing in every game from 2004-06.
As a high school standout, Smelkinson earned Howard County Player of the Year honors in 2004 at Long Reach High School.
Smelkinson graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in human studies. He earned his master’s degree in education from Walden University in 2013.
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