After spending four years coaching hundreds of students on the football field at Smithfield-Selma High School, Harvey “Wes” Hill is stepping down as the varsity football coach after two seasons to spend time with his family.
Hill, a 1985 graduate of SSS, dedicated countless hours educating, mentoring, and coaching the students who either walked into his classroom or onto the football field.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could come back to my alma mater and coach the sport I love so much,” said Hill. “It is with a broken heart that I do this since it has been my passion to see Spartan Football rise back to the top again.”
Hill said he will continue to play an integral part with the football program by continuing to work closely with the students and coaches on training, exercise, and skill building.
While most of his time will be behind the scenes, Hill added that he will remain dedicated to mentoring players and working with them on being successful not only on the field but in the classroom as well.
“Coach Hill has been an important figure in our athletic department, school, and community,” said Smithfield-Selma High School Athletic Director Marvin Burke II. “He has set a high standard for our football staff and players to follow. We are surprised of his decision to step down, but we understand that family comes first. We applaud the hard work and dedication Coach Hill has given over the past two years, and we are looking for someone to build off what he has started.”
Hill has two children attending Smithfield-Selma High and is looking forward to seeing them excel in their athletics and academics as Spartans. He also said he looks forward to following and watching their progress as a parent.
According to Hill, he will continue to teach the Project Lead the Way Program at Smithfield-Selma High.
“I am proud of Coach Hill and all he has accomplished here at Smithfield-Selma High” said Principal Stephen Baker. “Although my heart is heavy to see him step down, as a parent with a student here myself, I highly respect his decision to put family first. Our babies must grow up, and it only happens once. You blink, and you miss your one opportunity.”
