Q&A of Those in the Know: Vincent Smith
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010Coaching women’s pro football team that plays last game Saturday
Vincent Smith gets some air time in a crucial drive vs. No. 1 Washington in 1993
By Javier Morales
I recently had the opportunity to ask former UA offensive lineman Vincent Smith, who coaches Tucson High and a professional women’s football team in Tucson, a series of questions.
Vincent Smith
Smith, who played at 6-foot-6, 368 pounds, is a behemoth of a man with a big heart as well. Those who know him view him as a gentleman and a coach with a genuine eye toward improving youngsters and women in the sport he calls “the greatest in the world.” Not too many men, let alone those who are busy coaching a high school football, would take the time to train women in football, but that says something about Smith’s character right there.
The Monsoon is 1-6 with a six-game losing streak heading into their last game Saturday at Seattle. But playing in the Independent Women’s Football League is not all about wins and losses. It’s about the experience gained playing a sport they likely never thought they would have an opportunity to play.
Here’s one question Smith answered in our Q&A, which can be accessed at TucsonCitizen.com.
QUESTION: Often overlooked because of the exploits of the Desert Swarm, was your very important recovery of a fumble against No. 1 Washington in 1993. It helped keep a crucial scoring drive alive. What do you remember most about the play and how often is that replayed in your head?
SMITH: “What I remember most is seeing the ball flop around and thinking ‘Where’s Chuck (Levy)?’ It was a great play call and it felt right but then there’s the ball. On the turf! Gotta get it or we’re in deep stuff! I fall on it and lose it twice. I wasn’t used to recovering fumbles. Then it seemed like the entire travel squad from Washington jumped on my back. Ripped my helmet off, ripped my earring out, tried to choke me out! Like early stages of UFC … It was great! I was pretty fired up though after that. I remember telling (Dave) Hoffmann — the linebacker who ripped me up — that his a– was mine. A lot of angry and emotional blocking followed.”
Damien Leonard/Video of Leonard available at 
