Thom Smith graduated from Manchester High School in 1974, where he ran track and cross country for fellow Hall of Famer Richard “Dick” Miller.

After graduating from Ball State University in 1978, he started his teaching and coaching career at New Prairie Schools.  He began his career at the junior high school, where he was the assistant cross country coach to another fellow Hall of Famer, Doug Snyder, head boys and girls track and cross country.  He ultimately dedicated 43 amazing years to education and coaching at New Prairie before his retirement.