Sports

Compiled by Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communications Coordinator

Sanford High School wrestling coach Nate Smith has been selected as the 2023-2024 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) State Wrestling Coach of the Year for Maine.

Coach Smith’s selection comes from a competitive pool of wrestling coaches across the state. Smith led the Spartans to a third-place finish at the 2024 Class A South Regional Championships.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized,” Smith said. “I am blessed to coach with an amazing assistant, Brent Coleman. My wrestlers give everything, every day, to make our community and our program look good. They are the real reason why we get any recognition.”

“Sanford High School is extremely fortunate to have Nate Smith as our wrestling coach,” SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said. “He does a tremendous job of coaching the sport and creating lifelong connections with our student-athletes in more than just wrestling. He is an asset to the athletics department and an even greater one to our wrestling community.”

As the Maine Coach of the Year, Smith is now eligible for consideration as the Section 1 Wrestling Coach of the Year, competing with top coaches from seven other states. This selection could lead to a nomination for the National Coach of the Year award.