Steve R. Smerz

Wrestling  (1989-1991)

 

NJCAA All-American at 134 lbs. in 1991

Two-time National Qualifier, winning 60 matches at Waubonsee  

Eastern Illinois University wrestling scholarship recipient

Successful wrestling coach at St. Charles East High School

 

Former Waubonsee Wrestling Coach Dave Hejtmanek describes Steve Smerz as someone who was “dependable, a great teammate, and someone who represented Waubonsee with the highest degree of character and integrity.” Smerz has displayed those traits wherever he has gone, and consequently, success has followed. As a matter of fact, excellence could be his middle name. From his prep days, to college, to coaching at the high school level, Smerz has been a part of winning programs.  

A 1989 graduate of East Leyden High School, he was a three-sport athlete, excelling on the wrestling mat as a four-year starter and two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Qualifier. Smerz was voted the wrestling team’s Most Valuable Player three times and won a school-record 140 matches, a mark that still stands. At Waubonsee, the 134-pound Smerz was an All-American his sophomore season, qualifying for the Nationals both years en route to winning 60 matches. He received a wrestling scholarship at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a starter for the Panthers his senior year.

Smerz earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1994 and a master’s degree from Aurora University in 2005. He began teaching physical education and driver’s education at St. Charles East High School, serving as an Assistant Wrestling Coach before becoming the Head Varsity Coach in 1997, a position he still holds. During his tenure, Smerz has guided the Saints to three Regional Championships, 179 dual meet victories, and a Team Sectional Title with a berth in the IHSA Finals. Under his leadership 14 wrestlers have qualified for the State Finals, and five have been crowned IHSA State Champions. Smerz and his wife, Lori, reside in St. Charles with their two sons, 5-year-old Anthony and 4-year-old Andrew.