Dean Smith
1931-2015
1931-2015
Dean Smith, one of the most famous college basketball
coaches ever and a graduate of Topeka High School, passed away over the
weekend. Smith was the coach at the
University of North Carolina for 36 years winning two national
championships. He played multiple sports
while a student at the University of Kansas.
At Topeka High, Smith played basketball, football and baseball. He was instrumental in ending Topeka High
having separate basketball teams for white and black players. Smith was too ill to return to Topeka last
year when a plaque honoring him was dedicated at Topeka High School.