Finishing up the season ranked fourth in the conference with a record of 14-6, The University of Memphis men's soccer team had its annual banquet before the season ended, honoring the contributions of team members, especially the seniors.
But on a night specifically reserved for coaches and players to focus on the accomplishments of the season, The University of Memphis men's soccer team chose to reflect on the accomplishments of the past as well as the present.
Before a crowd of 130 at the Fogelman Executive Conference Center, the team decided to dedicate this year's annual banquet to the memory of former Tiger Tommy Smith, who died in March of 2000 after contracting meningicoccal meningitis while on vacation.
According to the Meningitis Foundation of America, meningicoccal meningitis can be transmitted through the air and strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, averaging more than 300 deaths annually.
Many cases, about 100 to 125, occur on college campuses and is a rare and potentially fatal bacterial infection. It can cause brain damage, hearing loss, loss of limbs, or even death.
Smith, who was known as and one of the most friendly and dedicated players on a U of M soccer team, played for the Tigers from 1992-1995. At the banquet, an award titled 'The Tommy Smith Spirit Award,' was given to senior midfielder Nick Glaser, who best exemplified Smith's spirit and dedication.
"I think it was an extreme honor," Glaser said. "Tommy Smith was a great guy and to receive the award was a great honor."
Smith's mother and father, Linda and Patrick Smith were also in attendance at the banquet.
"It was so beautiful," said Linda Smith. "It was very emotional, we felt so honored and proud."
His father said that he and his wife were overwhelmed by the attendance and the presentation.
"We realize that the senior banquet is very important and they shared it with Tommy," he said. "It was quite a tribute to my son. I was happy that they thought so highly of him to do that."
During his career at The U of M, Smith played in 77 games, collected 15 goals and 11 assists.
"He played midfielder his first two years," Patrick Smith said. "Later, he moved to forward. They used to call him 'jackhammer' because he was so fast."
On the field he was the consummate team player, giving 110 percent.
Phillip McDonnell, who is also a graduate of The U of M, grew up with Smith and played alongside him.
"Athletically, he was very gifted," he said. " He was the type of player who gave everything he had, and always had fun with it."
Even after he graduated in 1996, Smith stayed involved in soccer. He played in an adult league and coached the Under 16 Rangers club team. He also worked at Bertek Pharmaceuticals as a salesman.
"The parents of the children he coached would say that their children would come home and mention that they learned to be patient and unselfish," Linda Smith said. "He loved teaching those kids."
Smith was known to keep a smile on his face and many friends and family said he always made an impact on the lives of people he met.
"We knew he was special, but we didn't know what kind of impact he had on people," his mother said.
At a home game, the soccer team also presented his mother and father with a framed U of M jersey with his number on it. The gesture was special for Smith's parents because he was their only son.
His memory is also kept alive at Christian Brothers High School, where a tree is planted, and his high school jersey and other memorabilia are encased.
The 'Sprit Award' will become an annual award for the soccer team.
