Hendrix College Athletics

Frank W. “Puppy” Smith ('41) of Wheatley, Ark., was an accomplished athlete, businessman, and volunteer coach.  A multi-sport athlete for the Warriors, he played basketball, football and ran track.  His 1938 and 1939 teams won the state championship in track.  Smith took first place honors in the high jump at the Arkansas State College Track Meet in 1940.  A three-year letterman in basketball at Hendrix, he was named to the All-State team.  Smith played forward and was captain of the team in 1940.  He was an extraordinary player and led the state in scoring his junior year.  He also lettered in football for three years, playing end.  Smith was known as a brilliant pass receiver and mentioned on several All-State teams in football.  Smith enlisted in the service in the fall of 1940 which would have been his senior year and during his distinguished career was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars and the Purple Heart two times. He later coached youth in basketball, baseball and football for the YMCA and Greenville, Miss. Park Commission.