MOREHEAD, Ky. - Mention a compelling athletic challenge at Morehead State University and the mind naturally looks for student-athletes.
But, as the 2016-17 academic year was in its final days recently, it was an administrator who answered the bell.
Brad Smith, wrapping up his third year as MSU's assistant athletic director for external affairs, competed in his first triathlon, Ironman Chattanooga.
The event, held May 21, covered a grueling 70.3 miles – a 1.2-mile swim in the Tennessee River, followed by a 56-mile bicycle ride and a 13.1-mile run. Smith covered the distance in 6 hours, 53 minutes.
His accomplishment was about much more than a physical challenge, though.
Smith took up running only two years ago, then began triathlon training last October.
He did so in memory of daughter Ann Catherine, who was stillborn at 32 weeks on Jan. 21, 2015.
"When all that happened, I decided to try to honor her in some way," Smith said. "So I took up running at the age of 42. And I ran about five half-marathons. … From that, it just grew.
"I was sitting here talking to some of the coaches at one of our golf outings that we had and they were talking about how people just run in general and do triathlons. I was like, 'hmmm, a triathlon? I've never tried that before. I'm thinking maybe I'll train for that, too.'"
Running was no problem, thanks to his two years of experience.
Biking wasn't bad, either, because the tough uphills that are common to Morehead and Chattanooga also give way to some relaxing downhills.
Swimming was his biggest challenge.
Training exclusively in a pool, Smith swam 2,000 to 2,400 meters per week. He also biked 60-70 miles a week and ran 25-30 miles.
His first open-water swim, in a wetsuit, came on race day. Smith figured it would take him about 50 minutes to complete the 1.2 miles.
"The first 100 meters I was like 'what have I gotten myself into?' he said. "But something just kicked in. And there was a good current in the Tennessee River that helped push us along, too. I think the current, the training and coupled with why I was doing it all helped me."
His guess of a 50-minute swim was off. He finished the course in 27 minutes.
Before the race, several competitors advised him that it would be an emotional moment when he crossed the finish line.
"I was like, 'ah, it's no big deal; I'll just do it and it will be OK,'" Smith said. "But once I got closer to it, I could feel the emotions that were triggered from her (Ann Catherine) and the reason why I did it."
Smith might never have landed in Morehead if not for a natural disaster – Hurricane Katrina.
A 2003 graduate of Southern Miss, which is where he met his wife Melanie, Smith's first job out of college was director of marketing and ticket sales for the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the East Coast Hockey League.
Brad and Melanie were one year into their marriage when Katrina hit. The roof blew off their home in Gulfport, Miss. With the area ravaged and all their equipment destroyed, the Sea Wolves ceased operations. Suddenly, Brad was looking for a job.
He landed at Middle Tennessee State University, serving as assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions from 2005 through 2010.
Smith got a taste of "big-time" athletics in 2010-11, named director of marketing at Texas A&M.
That was followed by a three-year stint as assistant athletic director for marketing for Alabama Birmingham.
He came to Morehead in 2013.
"Brian (Hutchinson, MSU's athletic director) gave me an opportunity. Something I wanted to do was take over an entire external affairs department – supervising media relations and video production to fundraising and corporate sponsorships, and ticket sales and marketing," Smith said. "It's been a real rewarding experience here at Morehead State."
The most rewarding part, he says, is having daily contact with student-athletes. That's not always possible at larger schools. He says he's able to build relationships, inspire student-athletes, then see them go on to inspire others.
Part of Smith's ability to inspire is his track record. Under his watch, Middle, A&M and UAB all produced record-setting attendances. He also conducted several award-winning promotional events.
His hand on the MSU product can be seen in ways ranging from a Phil Simms bobblehead promotion to this season's record-setting attendance for an Eagles baseball game.
One day, Smith would like to become a head athletics director.
That's a professional goal.
A personal goal is to continue competing in triathlons. More than the physical challenge, he says he is motivated by the mental challenge. And, more than that, he is motivated by Ann Catherine.
His cheering section includes Melanie, 9-year-old son Grayson and 1-year-old son Garrett.
Melanie is his rock.
"I did the Ironman in honor of (Ann Catherine) but the real Ironman, the real warrior, is my wife," Smith said. "She was phenomenal through it. … I think the Lord gives His toughest battles to His toughest warriors, and she's definitely one of them."
Spoken like a true Ironman.
Â
