Rodney Smith is one of the most decorated wrestlers ever to hail from the state of Massachusetts. His development as a wrestler was nothing short of remarkable as he progressed from a Massachusetts high school state finalist in 1984, to a two-time All-American at Western New England College (WNEC, now WNEU) in the late 1980’s, and ultimately to an Olympic bronze medalist in 1992. These highlights were accompanied by many other, and just as impressive, accomplishments throughout Rodney’s wrestling career.

It was the love and support of his mother, Arlene Smith, that provided Rodney with the foundation to undertake challenges, overcome obstacles and succeed in life. His first experience in wrestling was intramural competition at the John F. Kennedy Junior High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Later, under the guidance of Coach Bill Borecki at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School, Rodney’s work ethic, discipline and technique improved significantly, allowing him to flourish in the sectional and state tournaments during his junior and senior years.

Following high school, Rodney deferred his enrollment in the Marines and matriculated at WNEC. There, he studied sociology and criminal justice, while competing for the WNEC wrestling team under Coach Bob Skelton. Rodney placed fourth in the 1987 Division III NCAA Championships at 142lbs and repeated his All-American performance by placing fifth at the same weight the following season.

Inspired by his boyhood idols Lee Kemp, Ed Whitley,  Greg Gibson and David Gayle, all world-class wrestlers, Rodney decided to pursue his wrestling career after college. Shortly after graduating from WNEC in 1988, he enlisted in the US Army and enrolled in its World Class Athlete Program, an elite military unit designed to prepare highly ranked-soldier athletes for participation in international competitions. Rodney credits the training he had as a soldier for his fitness, mindset and endurance to face whatever obstacle was in front of him. Steady improvement over the next four years led Rodney to a victory over 5x world team member Andy Seras, and a berth on the US Olympic Greco Roman team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Wrestling at 68kg (149.5lbs), Rodney placed third with an exciting come-from-behind victory over Cuba’s Cecilio Rodriguez to capture the bronze medal. Rodney’s one loss this tournament was to the eventual champion, Hungary’s Attila Repka.

Rodney received many recognitions following his Olympic debut, including being named the 1992 Army Athlete of the Year, 1992 All Armed Forces Athlete of the Year, and the 1992 New England Man of the Year by the New England Coaches Association.

During the subsequent Olympic cycle, Rodney earned a silver medal at the 1994 Pan American Championships, followed by a bronze medal in Freestyle and a silver medal in Greco-Roman at the World Military Games in 1995. Rodney won the next US Olympic Trials and represented the United States at the Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling a second time in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. Although he did not medal at the Atlanta Games, he was selected that summer as the Greco-Roman Olympic team captain, a tremendous honor.

After the 1996 Olympics, Rodney spent an additional two years in the Army. During his lengthy career in the US Army, Rodney worked as a coach, spokesperson, recruiter, and technical advisor for the next generation of American wrestlers pursuing success at the international level. Furthermore, prior to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, the Greco Roman wrestlers voted overwhelmingly for Rodney to be their head coach. Although the final selection was different, Rodney is grateful for the solidarity of the team’s support and acknowledgment of his contributions to this day.

After a short stint as assistant wrestling coach at WNEC, Rodney served as head wrestling coach at Northeast Elite Wrestling, followed by New Fairfield High School, and then at New Leadership Charter School. In 2011, he started the wrestling program at Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS)-East in Chicopee, MA. Since the program’s inception, HCSS has attained eleven consecutive winning seasons, with at least one Western Mass. champion each year. In both 2020 and 2021, HCSS went undefeated in their league, and Division III West champions. Having served in roles as both teacher and coach, Rodney is now Dean of School Culture (Vice-Principal) and Director of Athletics at HCSS-West in West Springfield, MA.

Rodney Smith’s accomplishments as a wrestler and coach have been outstanding. However, his influence and impact as a leader extend far beyond winning matches and earning trophies. His desire is to give back, to both his country and local community. Legacy can be seen and heard across generations; from his former coaches, teammates and comrades to his current students and wrestlers. Rodney Smith truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding American.