Charles Smith
Current City - Tallahassee, Florida
Email - charlesfelix@comcast.net

Where Are You Now? I am enjoying retirement in Tallahassee with my wife, Sandi of 59 years; we have been boyfriend and girlfriend for 62 years. I also have a "getaway" cabin in the North Georgia Mountains (Hiawassee- Towns County) where I spend 4-5 months with my wife. Next stop will be the Senior Living Community in Tallahassee where I just finished serving 50 years as a Baptist Church Deacon. 

I also have done research on the history of the FCCAA - Region 8 that now resides on their website. In addition, I have almost finished a book on the 100 year history of Cocoa High School (where my wife and I graduated from) and working on the history of Eastern Florida State. I am in pretty good shape for an old guy ... moving a lot slower now but still 'Blessed by the Best' and active in my churches. 

Career Highlights? 

• Serving as an Administrative Coordinator for the FCCAA (NJCAA Region VIII) for 18 years. 
• Serving on Florida's Commissioner of Education's Committee for the implementation of Title IX and Gender Equity's policies and procedures for the State CC system.
• Working with the Division of Community Colleges and State Legislators to secure funds for the start or enhancement of Women's Athletics. 
• Distinguished Alumni - Brevard CC (Cocoa); Inductions into FHSAA; Space Coast; FCCAA; Men and Women's Basketball; and Collegiate Press Hall of Fame.
• Distinguished Service - FCCAA; NJCAA; National ASSSSP; National Federation Sports Officials; Region VIII Council of Athletic Affairs Community

Advice to Current Athletics Administrators? Athletics has changed drastically over the years at all levels and therefore you are challenged with many issues, especially finances and budgets. Justifying the existence of your sports teams, men and women should be one of your top priorities. Get yourself a good PR person and get all the teams involved in the community. Any time a team wins a championship or does something special, get them on your Board of Directors meeting to be recognized. 

A few examples - work with Special Olympics, visit the children's ward at the hospital, go to schools and read to the children, help Habitat for Humanity with building a home, help clean up the community after storms, and consider having an athlete serve on a board or be active in a club. 

Also - try to make a difference in students lives. Listen - Overlook - Value - Encourage (LOVE) one another. Make yourself a Box Score. Your Box Score does not tell what color you are, what your religious or political affiliations are, or if you are male or female ... it shows what you did at the end of the day. 

Favorite College/Professional Sports Teams? College wise - Brevard Jr. College (now Eastern Florida State College), Georgia Southern College (now University), Ball State University, University of Georgia and UCF. 

Professional wise - Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Braves and Orlando Magic. 

Favorite Retired Activity? Because I am in stage 4 of "use to coulda" there is a stage 5 lurking. I cannot play any kind of recreational activity, so walking straight on flat surfaces is my challenge. However, my body operates like a NASCAR car, just take off and keep going to the left. I am also working on finishing two books that are about history of a school and one on an organization; very interesting and time consuming. 

Favorite Memory from NATYCAA Events? I attended my first Convention in 1991. I worked hard to get more ADs from Florida to attend and serve as an officer. I am proud to say I was successful. I also remember a number of the excellent speakers we had over the years. I also loved being able to fellowship with other members I could only see once a year.