Smith gains induction into V.C. Hall of Fame
Cross country, track coach built a powerhouse program at Oak Park
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

For years, Kevin Smith and Jim Bittner have set a standard of excellence in coaching. Now, the two top coaches will be rewarded with a prestigious local honor- induction into the Ventura County Hall of Fame.

Smith, the Oak Park High cross country and track and field coach, along with Bittner, Moorpark College's head football coach, are two of the five members that will be inducted June 8 at the Ventura Marriott Hotel.

Steve Hoffman, the women's soccer coach at Ventura College; Willie Ruiz, a former Cal Lutheran and Simi Valley High soccer player; and Ernie Carrasco, a baseball standout at Channel Islands who later played in the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system, are the three others that will be honored this summer.

The 51-year-old Smith said he was thrilled when he heard the good news.

"I'm deeply moved to be included, especially when you look at who's been inducted before me," Smith said. "The fact that I'm able to share this award with my family watching, including my parents, makes it even better."

Smith has guided his track and field teams to 20 Tri-Valley League titles and one CIF championship since he took over the OPHS program in 1986. His cross country teams have been stellar as well- Smith's girls' and boys' programs have combined for 21 league titles.

"I've had some great fortune at Oak Park," Smith said. "I've had tremendous athletes, a tremendous coaching staff, tremendous school advisers and tremendous parental support. I had a vision of where I wanted to take this program when I started at Oak Park, and, thankfully, most people shared that vision with me."

Bittner, 73, has gone 1981082 since he began coaching the Raiders 29 years ago. During that time, Bittner's teams have won 12 Western State Conference championships.

Although the Moorpark coach was excited about being honored, he was quick to point out that awards are not the reason he coaches.

"It's quite an honor, and it's something I feel very privileged to get, but I've never coached to get honored," Bittner said. "I coach because of the young men that come out year after year to play football.

"Every now and then, I'll get e-mails and letters from former players telling me that I helped them in their lives. It's a real privilege to watch them succeed after they finish college."