Marist Taps New Athletic Director from Quad Cities

Stephen Smithers

Chicago, IL, May 25, 2016 -- Marist High School is importing a new athletic director from the Quad Cities.

Starting July 1, Stephen Smithers, 59, will assume his role as AD of the Southwest Side Catholic high school. Smithers comes to Marist from Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, IL.

School officials said that Smithers brings more than 20 years of administrative and coaching experience to Marist.

“We are thrilled to bring someone into this position who first, understands the mission of Catholic education, and second, has a wealth of personal and professional experience that we feel confident will further strengthen our athletic program,” Marist principal Larry Tucker said in a news release. “Stephen understands the opportunities and challenges that exist in today’s high school athletics world, and will be invaluable in guiding Marist.”

Smithers will replace Robert Lim. The school posted an ad over the winter seeking a new athletic director to oversee 26 different athletic programs in the 1,700-student school.

Smithers has served Alleman as athletic director since 2005, and also coached basketball for the school from 2005 to 2009, where teams garnered 18 titles in 10 different sports, and earned nine Illinois High School Association state trophies.

Before that, he spent one year as athletic director and basketball coach at Assumption Catholic in Davenport, IA. From 1994 to 2004, Smithers worked for St. Ambrose University, also in Davenport, as a corporate relations representative and assistant men’s basketball coach.

"I wasn't looking (for a new job). I kind of stumbled on the posting for it," Smithers told QC Online. "I was simply intrigued by the whole thing. I went through the process, a very thorough process that lasted almost two months. I'm thrilled."

Smithers said he looks forward to building strong working relationships in and out of the school to ensure the vitality and health of the athletic department, the school said.

Smithers and his wife, Becky, plan to move to the area this summer leaving behind their only son, Jake, who currently serves as Alleman’s assistant principal, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Smithers call it a tough personal decision as well as a professional one.

“Marist is one of the strongest, most respected Catholic high schools in the state,” he said. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead its athletic program.”

Smithers stated that he is also impressed by the East Suburban Catholic Conference, in which Marist competes.

“It is highly competitive,” he said. “ESCC teams are known around Illinois, and have perennial success.”

The school has reached new heights In recent years, winning state titles in softball in 2012 and 2015. Football finished second in state in 2009 and 2015. Wrestling finished second in state in 2014. Cheerleading finished second in state in 2013. Wrestling, volleyball, softball, baseball, track and others have also captured conference, regional, and sectional titles. Individual athletes have also advanced and placed at the state level in a variety of sports. Marist competes in the highest IHSA classes.

Smithers will oversee 26 athletic programs that serve Marist’s 1,700 students, and a campus that includes a turf stadium lined for football, soccer, and lacrosse, grass soccer field, varsity and lower level fields for softball and baseball, tennis courts, three gymnasiums, and a 4,000-square-foot fitness center.

“It’s a challenging position that requires time and talent,” Tucker said. “We are eager to have Stephen start and take charge of our program, which we know is second to none.”