However this season’s Emmaus Green Hornets wrestling season turns out, fans can rest assured the team will be tough and tenacious, just like its head coach.

Thad Smith is entering the first year of his second stint as leader of the Emmaus wrestling program, replacing Nick LaFevre after one season. Smith, coached Emmaus from 1998 though 2003, is a familiar face and hopes to bring stability back to the Emmaus mats.

He also places an emphasis on fundamentals and is not afraid of the moniker taskmaster being assigned to his coaching. Smith places value on intangibles besides winning.

“This season in particular is about more than wins and losses,” Smith said. “It’s also about building up young men and teaching them some lessons that they can use for a lifetime. Not every kid is going to be a college wrestler or an Olympic wrestler, so you want to help them learn a little about life.”

While Smith is strict, he’s also about helping wrestlers succeed and will adapt as needed to get the most out of each of his kids.

“I can work with them on their level,” he said.

Smith is familiar to everyone associated with the Emmaus wrestling program and to many in the East Penn School District. He’s served as a teacher for 25 years and is currently at Lower Macungie Middle School. His passion for education has extended from the classroom to athletic competition.

The determination and toughness needed to succeed in wrestling has captivated him for a long time. He served for eight years as the school’s junior high school wrestling coach. Not only did he coach many of the youngsters who are now on the Green Hornet high school team, he was also honored as the 2018 District 11 Junior High School Coach of the Year.

Smith’s love for coaching has taken him to the college ranks as he served for six years as the assistant wrestling coach at Muhlenberg College and stints at other high school programs in an assistant capacity.

“I’m focused on bringing out the best in my athletes and teaching them the nuances of the sport so that they appreciate it,” Smith said.

Smith’s ability to lead youngsters in athletic competition transcends the mats. He’s also coached Lower Macungie’s cross country and girls softball teams during his distinguished teaching career.

While there’s no question Smith is the captain of the Green Hornet wrestling ship, he’s quick to note his talented coaching staff featuring Jim Best, Lance Thatcher and Dave Stauffer.

“Having them around makes my job a whole lot easier,” Smith said.