
DATE: Sunday, May 11, 1997                  TAG: 9705090208

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: CLOSE-UP 

SOURCE: Scott McCaskey 

                                            LENGTH:   52 lines

WILLIAM F. SMITH YOUTH COACH, ENGINEER

When not working for the Department of Defense in such places as the Azores, Haiti or Iceland, William F. Smith is usually on the field or court coaching.

A Western Branch resident, Smith is a volunteer for the athletic division of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Building Maintenance, and coaches girls and coed youth soccer, basketball and softball.

Smith wrestled and played football for Cradock High School and Virginia Military Institute. His two daughters, Michele and Kathryn, have followed in their father's sporting footsteps, participating in soccer, basketball, track and softball.

``When I'm home, I love seeing them play,'' he says of his girls. ``They both get straight A's, so I encourage sports to give them a little balance in their lives. They're great kids.''

Full name: William F. Smith.

Birthdate: 9/9/50.

Hometown: Hertford, N.C., but raised in Portsmouth.

Occupation: Director of engineering for the U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk.

Marital status: Married to Pat O'Brien Smith.

Children: Two daughters, Michele and Kathyrn.

Pets: No pets, no time.

Hobbies: Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Gaston.

Perfect day off: Taking the kids to Busch Gardens.

Favorite restaurant and food: Didio's Restaurant in Portsmouth, Italian.

Favorite music: Beach music.

Favorite book: ``Last of the Mohicans'' by James Fenimore Cooper.