Sheridan College men’s basketball coach and athletic director Steve Smiley has accepted an assistant coaching position with Division I Weber State University, in Ogden, Utah.
Sheridan College assistant coach Matt Hammer will take over as interim head coach and athletic director. Hammer and Smiley played collegiate basketball together at Northern State University in South Dakota, under legendary head coach Don Meyer.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Coach Smiley, his wife Nicole and their children,” said Dr. Paul Young, Sheridan College President. “We have a longstanding history of excellence within our basketball program. Coach Smiley carried on that tradition in an outstanding fashion. Knowing the integrity, ability and acumen of Coach Matt Hammer, the basketball program remains in good hands.”
In his six years at Sheridan College, Smiley paced the Generals to an overall record of 153-44, the best in the Region IX conference during that period. Smiley was named the Region IX North Coach of the Year twice, and 21 Generals have earned scholarships to Division I programs under Smiley’s tutelage.
“Steve is a great coach and a tremendous leader,” Dr. Young said. “He cares about the student-athletes on and off the court, helping shape their lives and career paths in a positive way. I know I speak for not only Sheridan College, but the community as well in saying ‘Thank you’ to Coach Smiley for all of his contributions.”
Smiley will join Weber State head coach Randy Rahe’s coaching staff. Rahe led the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament in March, after claiming the Big Sky Conference championship. Rahe has earned Big Sky Coach of the Year four times in seven years. Weber State is the alma mater of NBA all-star Damian Lillard, the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Smiley and Hammer have maintained a close relationship since their days as college teammates. Hammer recently joined the Generals as an assistant coach, following two years as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State in Michigan. Hammer played professionally in Iceland for one season before taking coaching positions at Northern State and Aberdeen Central High School in South Dakota. Hammer was named South Dakota’s Mr. Basketball in 2002, while prepping at Elkton High School.
“Matt is extremely intelligent, humble and hard-working,” Smiley said. “He is an outstanding coach and an excellent recruiter, having built relationships with the incoming class of student-athletes. It’s ideal to have someone of Matt’s caliber already here.”
Hammer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master’s in Health, Physical Education and Coaching.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to be given this opportunity here at Sheridan College,” said Hammer. “I’d like to thank the Sheridan College administration for having faith in me to help lead this outstanding program. I’d also like to thank Steve for giving me a chance to become part of the Sheridan College family.”
The Generals return seven players from last season’s squad, which posted a 27-6 record, and seven incoming players will join the team this season.
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