Hall of Honor
Lee Smith, a devoted servant of Indiana Wesleyan Athletics for nearly five decades, earns his place in the IWU Hall of Honor for his lasting influence on the cross country and track & field programs. A former Wildcat runner from 1976 to 1979, Smith returned to campus in the mid-1980s to guide both programs as head coach before transitioning into a long-standing role as an assistant under John Foss. Over 35 years, his guidance helped shape countless student-athletes, leaving a profound impact on the distance running tradition at IWU. Smith’s commitment extended beyond coaching through the creation of the Smith Cross Country Scholarship, supporting future generations of runners. In 2026, his legacy reached new heights with a transformative gift to the university, including the Wellness Center and the Center for Sports and Physical Therapy. His lifelong investment in student-athletes and the IWU community continues to resonate across campus.