Robert C. "Bob" Smith began his coaching career in 1958 at Wray High School and during his 33 years established a wrestling dynasty in the small Colorado town. Smith started a youth wrestling program at Wray in 1959.

Smith coached 139 state place-winners and his teams had a dual meet record of 337-73-9 while winning 10 Colorado state team titles and finishing runner-up seven times. He became the director of athletics at Wray in 1983.

In addition to coaching, Smith was a referee for 35 years and officiated in two NAIA national tournaments.

Following his retirement in 1991, Smith became head wrestling coach at Ft. Hays State in Hays, Kansas, and coached 13 All-Americans.

Smith has received multiple national and state honors and has been inducted into several halls of fame while also working with the Colorado High School Activities Association.